Newmarket Holidays has appointed Emirates Holidays boss Niel Alobaidi as its first chief executive.
Alobaidi, who is currently managing director of Emirates Holidays UK & Ireland, will take up the new position in September.
Alobaidi held senior management roles at Tui and First Choice before he joined Emirates Holidays in April 2015, since when the operator – which carries 70,000 UK and Irish customers a year – has increased revenue by 700%, bolstered its team with an additional 50 staff and invested in technology which now accounts for 50% of all bookings, including trade.
A spokesman for Newmarket said: “Following the ongoing technology transformation and re-structure of the company that took place in 2018, Niel’s appointment is an important milestone and a significant next step in the implementation of Newmarket’s strategic plan.
“The board believe they have found just the right person, with a very impressive track record in travel, to take the company on the next stage of its exciting journey.
“Under his leadership, over the past four years, Emirates Holidays has enjoyed an unprecedented period of growth.”
Newmarket Holidays, which was founded in 1983, employs 145 staff at its Wallington headquarters.
Ailsa Pollard, senior vice president at Emirates Holidays’ parent company dnata Travel, confirmed Alobaidi will depart in September and said the operator has begun its search for a replacement.
She added: “We thank Niel for his contribution to the company and wish him every success in his future endeavours.”
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