Newmarket, Intrepid, Riviera: all the latest travel trade people moves

Intrepid Travel has expanded its agent-facing team with two new hires. Scott Tyrer joins as industry partnerships manager north, with Holly Piggott taking up a like role in the south. Tyrer, who has already taken up his new post, brings 15 years’ travel industry experience, including a spell as business development manager at Venture Ashore. Piggott will start in October, moving from APT Travel Group where she is currently a trade sales executive. Tyrer said Intrepid was “a brand I have sold throughout my career”, adding its sustainability policies and charitable causes “are something that separate them from the rest and I am proud to be a part of”. Both will hit the road hosting in-store training and events and can be booked for extra sessions on touring and adventure.

Riviera Travel has appointed Ralph Uhlemann as its new business development manager for Ireland, effective from 30 September. In his new role, Ulhemann will focus on building relationships with the trade and growing awareness of the Riviera among Irish travel agents, reporting directly to international sales manager Steve Taylor. Commenting on the appointment, trading director Stuart Milan said: “His expertise in the industry and deep connections with the travel trade will be vital as we continue to develop what we believe is industry-leading trade support for Ireland-based travel agents.”

The Travel Corporation has named its north American touring chief Melissa DaSilva as interim chief executive of its global TTC Tour Brands portfolio. DaSilva will succeed Gavin Tollman on an interim basis as the Tollman family prepares to exit the business pending its sale to US asset management firm Apollo, which will end more than 100 years' of family ownership. DaSilva brings more than 30 years’ industry experience to her new role with TTC, including nearly two decades with STA Travel. She has previously headed up both Contiki and Trafalgar as president. "I am excited and honoured to lead TTC Tour Brands through this important phase in its history," she said. Tollman said DaSilva's "deep understanding" of TTC's tour brands made her "the ideal choice" for the role.

Abta’s head of membership Danny Waine is poised to leave the association at the end of the year. Waine joined Abta in October 2020 from Hotelplan Group where he was commercial director for its holiday homes division. The trade body confirmed a search is now under way for his successor, while Waine has said he will remain in travel but plans to relocate from London. Rachel Jordan, Abta’s director of membership and financial protection, said Waine’s impact at Abta had been “phenomenal”. 

Bed bank Bedsonline has recruited Gemma Walker as a key account manager to support agencies in Ireland. Walker is responsible for training and attending trade shows, events and conferences and is part of UK and Ireland regional sales manager Emma Foran’s team. Walker has spent more than 20 years in a variety of travel industry roles, including with Jet2holidays, Thomas Cook and Newmarket Holidays, where she spent 11 years as account manager.

Wendy Sharp has become the new branch manager of Baldwins Travel’s Tonbridge shop following the departure of Bettina McCue after 35 years at the company. A senior travel consultant at Baldwins’ Maidstone branch, Sharp will take the reins of the Tonbridge shop on 3 October. “Wendy has worked for us for eight years, but has worked in travel for more than 30 years so she’s a fantastic replacement,” said managing director Nick Marks. 

Kelly Craighead, president and chief executive of global cruise body Clia, is to step down at the end of the year. Clia members and partners were told of her departure in a letter from Clia global chair Jason Liberty, chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group. Craighead has been in her role since January 2018 and helped steer the industry through the pandemic. The trade body has started the search for her successor.