Michael Fleetwood has moved from Cox & Kings to take on a newly-created role of programme manager for escorted tours at rival Abercrombie & Kent.
Fleetwood worked at Cox & Kings as European product manager for ten years.
He will be responsible for the relaunch of A&K’s escorted tours programme in September with a focus on growing agent sales.
A&K is also in the process of hiring two new trade sales managers.
The personnel changes follow a realignment of the business earlier in the year to create specialist programmes for each of its key divisions – tailor-made, escorted tours, villas, ski, beach and private clients.
Each unit is led by a programme manager, who is responsible for the sales and development of their respective division.
New offices in Covent Garden, London provide more space, following five successive years of double digit growth. The UK head office in Cheltenham remains.
Fleetwood reports to product director Ross Pakes and is based in London.
A&K managing director Kerry Golds said: “We have aligned our business into programmes to streamline process and introduce further specialism in key areas of the business where we believe there are huge growth opportunities.
“We see enormous potential with our escorted tour offering – particularly for the trade.
“With a set product to sell, great commissions combined with exclusive access to incredible sites and expert guides it’s an exciting proposition.
“Michael brings with him a brilliant track record of strategic product expansion and identifying new trends. Teamed with the strength of the A&K brand means that we believe the next 12 months are going to be an exciting time.”