Angela Heaton has been named as managing director of wholesale tour operator and destination management company AC Group.
Heaton has worked for some of the world’s leading travel and tourism brands including Thomas Cook, ICT, Time Off and Hotel Conxions, as well as being a travel and tourism lecturer at Westminster College.
Her appointment marks her return to the tourism and hospitality industry after a short career break following more than 30 years in the sector.
Heaton’s remit is to manage the UK divisions of AC Group on a daily basis, providing support to the leadership team and staff while delivering projected targets.
Most recently, Heaton was managing director at London-based group travel operator Albatross. AC Group includes four brands – AC Tours, AC Online, AC Luxe and French Travel Partners.
Former joint managing directors Rob Russell and Malcolm Lindop have become joint CEOs of the business.
They are to focus on growth through strategic acquisitions and expansion opportunities, both at home and abroad, according to the company.
Heaton said: “AC Group has experienced exciting progression in the last few years and has a hunger to continue to grow.
“The company’s ethos of being the place to work with and for strongly appealed to me.”
Russell said: “Angela’s experience in managing change and transformation made her the stand out candidate.
“Her reputation in the industry for driving businesses forward with a strong operational and commercial focus fits perfectly with the direction we are moving in.”
Lindop added: “Angela’s knowledge of the industry and experience in developing and fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders made her a perfect fit.”