Advantage Travel Partnership has announced the appointment of Ian Simmonds as a new Independent Non-Executive Director. Simmonds has been working with the group for the past few years as interim Chief Financial Officer and was originally brought in to lead a comprehensive review of Advantage's group-wide financial strategy. He takes on the role of Independent non-executive with immediate effect.
Steven Esom, Chair, Advantage Travel Partnership, said: "Ian's extensive experience and strategic insight have been transformative for our group, helping us optimise our capital structure and enhance our financial planning capabilities. In this new role, he brings over 20 years of strategic, commercial and financial expertise in the travel sector from a career spanning large corporations, start-ups and SMEs, where he has consistently driven impressive results.
“I have every confidence that he will bring significant value to how we continue to shape our ambitious strategy for the future. His proven track record of navigating industry challenges and driving business transformation will make him an invaluable advisor to our Board."
Ian Simmonds has a wealth of experience within the industry having served as Chief Operating Officer at Mercury Holidays and various leadership roles at Travel Republic, including Managing Director and Finance Director. His earlier career featured positions as Finance Director at Thomson Airways and Island Cruises within TUI Travel PLC. Simmonds is a Chartered Accountant having qualified with Grant Thornton.
Commenting on his appointment, Simmonds added: “I am delighted to be taking on this role, which allows me to help shape the future of what is an exceptionally high-profile brand in the industry, in a sector that is rapidly evolving. I am looking forward to working with the Board to ensure we continue to deliver growth and increased value to all its key stakeholders, through long-term strategic planning and execution.”
Other Non-Executive Directors of Advantage Travel Partnership include: Suzanne Horner, CEO, Grey Dawes Group; James Beagrie, Managing Director, Meon Travel; Sharon May, Proprietor, Worldwide Travel Solutions and Paul Harwick, Director of Retail, Fred Olsen Travel.
