Funway managing director Melissa Tilling is to step down after 11 years with the company.
She said it was time to try “something different” and will leave the operator on August 22.
Carla van der Giesen, who served as vice president and general manager of Travel Impressions International, will now lead ALGV’s entire operation in Europe, including Funway Holidays and Travel Impressions.
She will also be responsible for Travel Impressions’ Mexico division.
Tilling said: “I have had 11 incredible years working alongside some of the most talented and dedicated people in tour operating but now it’s time for something different, perhaps something more philanthropic.
“My life over the last 12 years as a transgender woman in travel has given me so much joy and happiness, now I’d like to give back and ‘give forward’ applying my business brain to do good.”
Tilling joined Funway Holidays in 2008 and held roles including product and commercial director prior to her appointment as managing director in 2017.
She is credited with elevating the brand’s product, partner relationships, and customer engagement.
An event will be held for Tilling at the operator’s Bromley office on August 22.
More: Funway Holidays taken over by US travel giant [Oct 18]
Funway Holidays aims to increase sales in the north with restructure [Aug 18]
Big Interview: How the new Funway boss has picked up the baton and is running with it [Jul 17]
