Nesta Gilliland has joined Barrhead Travel as marketing director as the Scottish agency prepares for further growth following its take over by US-based Travel Leaders Group.
She was head of marketing and sales at Abellio ScotRail for more than two years co-ordinating a multi-million pound marketing budget.
Gilliland previously spent five years at David Urquhart Travel, where she led business growth as sales and marketing director and group managing director.
Glasgow-based Barrhead Travel has doubled the size of its in-house marketing team over 18 months and plans to heavily invest in market-leading technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
Gilliland will lead on marketing initiatives to support the company’s continuous growth in the UK.
Chief executive, Sharon Munro, said: “We are very excited to welcome Nesta as a board-level marketer with a wealth of experience in the travel trade.
“Barrhead Travel is growing to meet rising demand for trusted travel advice and her insight into marketing strategy, data management and exceptional customer service will be absolutely necessary to deliver our ambitions.”
Gilliland said: “Barrhead Travel is an exceptional business and I am delighted to become part of the next chapter of its success story.
“I aim to bolster Barrhead Travel’s reputation for exceptional customer experience and ensure they benefit from the latest trends in digital sales and marketing tools.”