Ben Ittensohn has joined Explore as global head of sales and customer service, tasked with developing partnerships with travel agents.
He has worked with the operator since July 2018 on a consultancy project, as he was responsible for leading the GSA (general sales agent) tender for Explore’s Australia and New Zealand representation, and subsequent appointment of Adventure World.
Joe Ponte, Explore’s managing director, said: “Ben’s sales management and experience in evolving customer service delivery, fuelled by his leadership experience and passion for developing teams, made him a standout.
“His trade sales and distribution experience across several international markets will be key to the strategic growth plans of Explore for 2019.”
Ittensohn said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Explore at such an exciting time in their business and to help strengthen their global footprint and brand evolution.
“Adventure travel is an exciting sector and one I am so incredibly passionate about.
“I look forward to growing our partnerships with UK travel agents, providing exceptional support and developing the necessary tools for our global agency partners, and working with the team to expand into new markets to further increase demand for our 600+ responsible trips worldwide.”
He joins the Explore team after more than a decade working at Topdeck Travel, where he was Asia Pacific regional manager.
Ittensohn relocates to the UK this month to work at Explore’s head office in Hampshire.