Dnata has announced the appointment of John Taker as purchasing director.
Taker joins dnata from his previous role as vice president sourcing at Kuoni/GTA. He was previously purchasing director at Virgin Holidays for more than 10 years.
In his new role, he will be responsible for dnata travel’s global buying strategy, excluding Europe.
The position is in the central purchasing division which oversees 40-plus focus markets for dnata’s portfolio of travel brands, which currently comprise: Arabian Adventures, dnata Travel, Emirates Holidays, Gold Medal, Netflights, Pure Luxury, Simply Luxury, Travelbag, Travel Republic and Travel 2.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome John to the dnata family,” said Sebastien Doussin, vice president ground services for dnata’s global travel portfolio. “His experience in long haul destinations will be a great asset to our team and we are very much looking forward to the value he will no doubt add to our business.”
Taker said: “I am excited to take on this new challenge in what is an extremely interesting and multi-faceted market, and am looking forward to getting under the skin of each of the brands the central purchasing function services. I am keen to join their dedicated and experienced team and help bring travel aspirations to life.”
Taker has more than 30 years’ experience in the travel and hospitality industries. From UK, he has spent time working in markets around the world and will now be based in Dubai. He has also served as a board member of industry bodies such as Starwood Strategic Leisure Advisory Board and the Brand USA Tour Operator Advisory Board and held the Chairman position of the UK Caribbean Tourism Organisation.