Solmar Villas promotes BDM Lewis Cooper to head of distribution

Solmar Villas has promoted Lewis Cooper to head of distribution to strengthen its trade, wholesale and OTA partnerships.

Cooper joined the rental specialist in 2024 as a business development manager for key accounts.

His main responsibilities in the newly created role will be expanding the distribution network to support the business’s growth plans.

An executive position has also been created in the sales and distribution division, with recruitment activity underway. 

James Howlett, sales and distribution director, who joined from Hurtigruten earlier this year, said: “Lewis’ appointment reflects our continued investment in the travel trade and the vital role it plays in our future growth.

“With over 20 years’ experience and a strong, diverse villa portfolio of over 2,500 across more than 40 destinations, we’re seeing increasing demand for villa holidays as a flexible, high-value alternative to hotels, particularly as we look ahead to 2027.

“Strengthening our trade support team and expanding our distribution network ensures we can better support agents and partners, helping them confidently offer villa holidays and capitalise on this growing demand.”

Cooper said: “I’m excited to step into the role of head of distribution at Solmar Villas, building on my experience in key accounts.

“My focus is on strengthening trade, wholesale and OTA partnerships, and ensuring our agent partners have the tools, service and support they need to grow with us.”