Newmarket, Wendy Wu, Crystal: all the latest travel trade people moves

Former STA Travel regional support manager Sarah Kewley has been appointed to a newly-created business development manager role with Wendy Wu Tours, dedicated to homeworkers. The Asia specialist said the decision to create the "new distribution" post signalled a "major step forward" in its efforts to serve a wider cross-section of the travel trade. Kewley will organise training and educational events, and create dedicated marketing materials for home-based agents.

JG Travel Group chief executive Chris Simmonds, a former Saga Holidays managing director, will take over from HF Holidays chief executive David Harrington in October. Harrington, who is retiring after 40 years, said there would be a "thorough handover process over the next few months". "I’ve had a tremendously fulfilling career at HF Holidays and will miss it," he added. Walking specialist HF became B Corp Certified in April, something Harrington reflected on in a recent interview with TTG.

Travel Counsellors content and brand manager Hollie Race has joined Trending Travel as influencer marketing director. Race brings experience from roles with In The Style and The Fragrance Shop, and leaves Travel Counsellors after nearly two years where she launched and led the homeworking giant's first influencer campaign. Trending Travel chief executive Keith Herman described Race as "an outstanding talent in the social media world".

James Scott, Cunard’s business manager – development and engagement, has joined Hapag-Lloyd Cruises as UK and Ireland sales manager. Scott, who joined Cunard from Oceania Cruises in January 2023, revealed on LinkedIn he has been tasked with growing the German line's presence in the UK and Ireland. Prior to Cunard, Scott spent more than three years at Oceania as sales manager and eight months at Southampton airport, where he was a customer experience executive.

Former Silversea senior marketing manager UK and Ireland, Sarah Barr, has joined Crystal Cruises in a like role, assuming responsibility for the A&K Travel Group-owned brand's marketing strategies and brand awareness while supporting its growth. Barr leaves Silversea after nearly a decade, and brings further cruise industry marketing experience to her new role from a spell at Viking.

Riviera Travel trading director Stuart Milan has become the first male appointment to the board of the Association of Women Travel Executives (AWTE). Milan, pictured with AWTE chair Michelle Laverick, becomes the AWTE's male ally board member with a view to gaining insight into women's industry perspectives and challenges. He will also be arranging events to discuss gender issues and explore the progress of AWTE initiatives, including male mentorship programmes.

Louise Haigh (pictured right) has been named the country's new transport secretary, while Lisa Nandy (pictured left) will serve as culture secretary – her department carrying the tourism brief. Mike Kane, meanwhile, becomes the new Labour government's first aviation minister. Other ministerial appointments include Lillian Greenwood (roads), Simon Lightwood (local transport) and Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill (rail). In culture, Chris Bryant becomes minister of state and Stephanie Peacock parliamentary under-secretary of state. And at the Department for Business and Trade, which has oversight for package travel, Jonathan Reynolds becomes business secretary.

Travel Nevada has appointed to new UK trade contacts, who bring more than 35 years' industry experience to their roles with the destination. Elsa Gomez (pictured right) joins Nevada's industry development team as global market manager, with oversight for the state's international trade efforts and daily operations. Yessenia Vega (pictured left), meanwhile, joins as market development coordinator and will support trade activities including trade shows and sales missions.