Dnata Travel Europe chief executive for business-to-business brands Andrew Botterill is to leave the company this summer.
Botterill was in charge of the sale of Stella Travel Services UK to dnata in October 2014.
For the last two years he has led the strategic review and integration of dnata’s business-to-business brands including Gold Medal Travel, Travel 2, The Global Travel Group, Pure Luxury and Simply Luxury.
After the sale of the Global Travel Group to Stella Travel Services, Stella’s private equity owners CVC Capital partners approached Botterill and former dnata Travel Europe chief finance officer Jens Penny to lead the business turnaround. Stella went from being in the red to making profits of £8 million prior to its sale to dnata.
Iain Andrew, dnata travel divisional senior vice-president, said: “Andrew and I looked at the associated benefits of the Stella brands joining dnata Travel and agreed it was an attractive proposition to add these companies to the dnata portfolio.
“Since joining us, Andrew has been instrumental in helping us look at the strategy for our trade-facing businesses in the UK and, with the assistance of the management teams he has put in place, has driven synergies which have been of great benefit to the business. I am grateful for the way that he has handed over to new ownership whilst growing the market share and producing record profits in the year ending March 2017.”
Botterill added: “I am extremely proud to have led many talented teams over the years all of whom have made a remarkable difference to the fortunes of our business. Making sure that these iconic trade brands that are supported by amazing travel agent partners ended up in the right secure ownership was really important to me and I’d like to thank Iain Andrew and the team at dnata for being so supportive.
“I’m looking forward to spending the summer with my family to recharge my batteries and look forward to moving forward with some exciting opportunities later this year.”
A replacement for Botterill has yet to be named.
Jens Penny is also due to leave at the end of this month (March) and it is understood that Adam Gill, dnata Travel chief technical officer is due to leave the business in July.