Abta LifeLine board appoints three senior travel figures

Abta LifeLine has appointed Lisa McAuley, Zoe Powell and Jody Rolfe to its board as the charity seeks to strengthen awareness of its work and boost fundraising efforts.

Rolfe is finance director at Tui, McAuley is managing director at World Travel Holdings UK and Powell is a director of Xeinadin. All three will join the board from February 26.

Abta LifeLine director Trudie Clements said: “I am delighted to welcome three distinguished travel professionals to the LifeLine board. Their expertise, strong reputations and respected voices within the industry will be tremendous assets to LifeLine.”

The charity, which supports current and former employees of Abta members, offers practical, financial and emotional help in times of need.

Since the beginning of January, it has helped travel professionals with priority bills, food and essential household items, as well as debt and benefit advice among other matters.

McAuley said: “Having spent my entire career in the travel industry, I’ve seen first-hand the vital support the charity provides. It’s a small charity with a hugely positive impact. It’s an honour to give back to the community that has shaped my professional life.”

Powell, Xeinadin’s director of travel, hospitality and leisure, added: “It’s a privilege to support a charity that steps in when people in our industry need it most, and I’m excited to play my part in strengthening the fundraising and disbursements that make that support possible.”

Rolfe said: “The charity provides vital support to people across the travel industry when they need it most.

“I care deeply about the difference this practical support can make, and I’m proud to be able to contribute my financial experience to help ensure Abta LifeLine can continue to develop and expand its impact.”

The appointments follow Claire Stirrup’s decision to step down from the board last year after she was promoted at Celebrity Cruises.