BRIDGE Travel managing director Richard Dupuis is to retire next month after 35 years with the operator.
He will be replaced by current deputy managing director Brian Fell, with sales and marketing director Alan Croft becoming deputy.
In a further change, the operator’s Disneyland Paris brand manager John Bellenger has been promoted to sales director.
Dupuis, who has held the post of MD since 1979, will remain as a non-executive director until the end of 2000.
“It was a hard decision but the company is poised for further growth and now is the time to retire,” said Dupuis.
Fell, who takes over on January 1, said he didn’t have any plans for a major shake-up of the operation. “We are in pretty good shape so there is no need to come in and make changes,” he said. “We will continue to look at product enhancements either through organic growth or by acquisition.”
He said the biggest challenges will be competing with the low cost airlines and retaining staff.
Meanwhile, Bridge is to start selling its cities product in several European countries next year following a successful trial in Scandinavia.