Former Saga Holidays chief replaces Andy Freeth as JG Travel Group boss
James ChappleFormer Saga Holidays managing director and chief executive Chris Simmonds has been promoted chief executive of National Holidays and Just Go! Holidays parent JG Travel Group, replacing Andy Freeth with immediate effect.
Simmonds joined JG, which also operates the Omega Breaks and Albion Journeys brands, as marketing director in the spring. Freeth stands down after 18 months with the group, with whom he took up the top role in January 2021.
"On behalf of the board and the rest of the business, I wish to thank Andy for his work since he joined our business amid a pandemic," said JG chair Luis Arteaga. "He brought energy, passion and enthusiasm to the role and we wish him the very best for the future."
Freeth said: "I’d like to thank Luis and Kings Park Capital for the opportunity and for their support over the past two years. JG Travel Group is a great business that Chris is very well placed to lead.
"I wish him and the rest of the team all the best for the future as they continue to deliver great-value unique experiences. I look forward to some time off with my family before announcing my next role."
Simmonds joined Saga Holidays in 1994 where he spent more than 20 years in a variety of roles; JG said he would bring "a wealth of experience in the group travel space, particularly for more mature travellers" to the role. He also headed up Revitalise, a national charity providing breaks and holidays for disabled people and their carers.
"I am excited about the challenge and opportunities ahead," said Simmonds. "We have fantastic brands with massive addressable market and great prospects. I feel privileged to have a strong support from the Board and the business’s long-term backers, Kings Park Capital.
"While the past couple of years have been challenging and turbulent for all of us in the travel industry, to say the least, I am excited to lead the group into the next phase in its history to deliver profitable growth, and to capitalise on the considerable opportunities that lay ahead for us."
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