New AWTE board appoints first male ambassador

Former AWTE vice-chair Lindsay Garvey-Jones has been appointed to lead the association for the coming year, taking over from Claire Osborne following her three-year tenure.

Michelle Laverick will take up AWTE’s vice-chair position, while Gail Kenny joins the board as partnerships director.

After 10 years, AWTE’s benevolent director Aphrodite Burton is stepping down from the board and was described by the association as “an outstanding support”. Barbro McAusland will take over as benevolent director. 

Meanwhile, AWTE has appointed Phil Gardner, chief commercial officer at Ambassador Cruise Lines, as the association’s first official male ambassador.

Gardner, who was named the winner of AWTE’s Male Ambassador Award in 2019, will be tasked with “listening learning and embracing” the work carried out by the organisation and offering insight to diversity challenges that the travel industry needs to overcome.

He said: “I am delighted to take on this role with AWTE. Now more than ever, diversity and inclusion need to be a way of life rather than a topical slogan and I embrace the opportunity to learn from the experience of AWTE. 

“I have committed to being able to use these learnings in my day-to-day experiences, share them with those around me in the industry, and help create a safe space for all individuals regardless of background. My thanks go to Lindsay, Michelle and AWTE for this fantastic opportunity.”