Tony Andrews has been named as Cruise.co.uk’s deputy managing director as part of a reshuffle at the online travel agency which has seen chief executive Seamus Conlon step down.
Former product and commercial director Andrews has held several positions over 20 years at the Worcestershire-based company.
Cruise.co announced earlier today that managing driector Chris Gardner would become the new chief executive, replacing Conlon who has decided to pursue other interests.
Conlon, who held the Cruise.co.uk chief executive role for 15 years, has taken up a new position of non-executive director of the company.
On Andrews’ appointment, Gardner said: “Since I joined Cruise.co last year I’ve been incredibly impressed with the ambition Tony Andrews has for the business, and his drive and determination to help us grow and succeed.
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Tony will become the deputy managing director of Cruise.co with immediate effect, working alongside me to help the UK business grow and thrive.”
Andrews said: “It’s been nearly 20 years that I have been involved with the business and I have been lucky enough to have worked in all areas of the business and be mentored through that period by some amazing people in Andrew Gardner, Seamus Conlon and recently Chris Gardner.
“Its been great working with Chris over the last eight months and I am looking forward to helping Chris grow and drive the business forward and maintain our leading position in the UK for cruise deals, research and engagement.”
Last year, Gardner joined Cruise.co.uk from Which?, and immediately outlined plans to grow the company’s sales team in an interview with Travel Weekly.
Cruise.co.uk was formed in 2007 when Conlon led a management buyout from Carnival Corporation, when its turnover was £18 million.
Bridgepoint Development Capital subsequently acquired Cruise.co.uk in 2016 in a transaction totalling £52 million.
In 2017, Kreuzfahrtberater.de was bought by Cruise.co.uk in a €25 million deal which allowed the company to have operations in the two largest cruise markets in Europe.
Frank Riecke was appointed managing director of German OTA, Kreuzfahrtberater.de, owned by Cruise.co.uk.