Super Break national sales manager Graham Balmforth is to retire after 23 years at the short breaks operator.
Balmforth, one of the industry’s best-known figures, joined Super Break in January 1995 from Wallace Arnold Tours, and will leave the business in January next year.
His departure follows that of sales director Jane Atkins in March and key account manager Claire Dutton in September, both of whom joined Shearings Holidays.
Balmforth said: “I have enjoyed 23 incredible years at Super Break and over 40 years in the industry. I am proud of how far the business has come over the last two decades and how it has consistently adapted to the changing pressures on both the industry and our sector.
“I am leaving behind a great team at Super Break, a bond that you only get from making something special together.”
Jacqui Rigby, Super Break chief operating officer, said: “Graham is a tour de force and has been instrumental in our trade business, leading an outstanding team. His passion, ability to light up a room with laughter and extremely generous nature will be very much missed by Super Break and the industry.
“We wish Graham a very enjoyable retirement with his family, Super Break is now actively recruiting for someone to take on this exciting role within a growing business.”
Balmforth added: “It’s time for me to step down and enjoy a different slant on life. I am really looking forward to having more time with my wife and family, including my two beautiful granddaughters. I will of course miss the craic and banter of fellow industry friends and colleagues and the occasional stage performance!”
During his career at Super Break, Balmforth held a number of industry roles, including chairman of operator group Tipto and chairman of Abta’s UK Tourism Group. He also hosted the Travel Brit Awards and the SPAA Awards, and was well-known for his double- act with former Super Break sales director Ian Mounser, who died in 2015.