Gold Medal, Simpson Travel, BHX: this week’s travel trade people moves

Birmingham airport has taken on its first travel trade executive since the pandemic. Kate Ritchie joined BHX earlier this month after a three-year spell in the education sector. She will serve as the primary point of contact at Birmingham for airline sales teams and its trade partners, including agents and operators. In her new role, she will deliver trade marketing campaigns and events, and keep agents up-to-date on the latest developments at the airports. “I’m really looking forward to building relationships with airlines and the region’s travel trade and corporate community, providing knowledge and updates on all things BHX,” said Ritchie.

Liverpool airport has appointed Natalie Mackay to a newly-created travel trade executive role to bolster the airport's relations with agents in the North West and norther Wales. Mackay, who brings 25 years' travel industry experience to the role, joins after spending the past five years as manager os Hays Travel’s Liverpool Kirkby branch. In her new role, Mackay will focus on ensuing agents are abreast of the latest developments at Liverpool airport and the services it offers.

Simpson Travel has appointed Dan Butler as its chief financial officer and Mark Speight as its operations director to spearhead its growth push and expand its European portfolio. Butler will join the business on 1 October after two-and-a-half years with Hoseasons parent Awaze. Speight, meanwhie, joined Simpson in early August and was previously chief operating officer at experience specialist Day8 Experiences. Butler said he was looking forward to contributing to Simpson's growth journey, while Speight said he was looking forward to strengthening Simpson's commitment to personalised service.

Kara Franker has been named as Visit Florida Keys' new president and chief executive, and will take up her new role on 9 September. Franker is a certified destination management executive and former travel journalist. She has also been chief executive of Colorado's Visit Estes Park since 2021. “Kara’s diverse experience with tourism marketing, her legal and executive management background, and her enthusiasm and love of the Florida Keys make her exceptionally qualified to oversee Florida Keys tourism marketing,” said Visit Florida Keys board member Diane Schmidt.

Auberge Resorts Collection has named Christian Clerc as its new president and chief executive. Clerc will succeed Craig Reed on 1 September, who will retire after 10 years heading up the brand. Clerc has worked in the travel and tourism industry for more than two decades, holding a variety of positions – including global president of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “He has a unique perspective on what a luxury hospitality brand should be and deep expertise in delivering curated experiences at one-of-a-kind properties that exceed the expectations of the world’s most discerning travellers,” said Auberge chair Dan Friedkin.

Secret Escapes founder and chief executive has joined touring and experience technology provider Holibob as chair of its board. He will replace Richard Sowerby, who has been Holibob’s chair since the business was founded in 2019. In his new role, Saint will work alongside former Expedia managing director EMEA Andreas Nau and Guinness Ventures chief investment officer Malcom King. The three, who were recruited following a £3.5 million funding round, will work towards helping Holibob drive adoption of its new technology to make online bookings easier for customers.