Abta director of destinations and sustainability Nikki White is to leave the association at the start of next year.
White has worked for Abta for 10 years and is leaving to “pursue a number of study interests and to spend time on personal and professional development”, including observing how other sectors are approaching sustainability challenges.
Her role will not be replaced, with senior solicitor Susan Deer stepping up to a new position of director of industry relations, working alongside chief executive Mark Tanzer to liaise with the association’s Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) members and larger members in general.
Tanzer said: “Nikki joined Abta to establish the destinations and sustainability department, which she leaves in a strong and highly regarded position. Nikki has also overseen the integration of the Federation of Tour Operators into Abta and led our relationship with the Foreign Office.”
He added: “I’m extremely grateful for all Nikki has brought to Abta in her time here, not only with respect to the destination and sustainability agenda, which has developed very significantly, but also the general management of Abta as a whole. We shall miss Nikki, but I am sure you all join me in wishing her well in the new phase of her life, and career.”
Deer has 16 years of tour operator experience and 10 years’ experience as a solicitor. Her direct reports will be Angie Hills, senior destinations manager – health, safety, crisis and operations, and Clare Jenkinson, senior destination sustainability manager.
Carolyn Wincer, commercial director of Travelife, will report directly to Tanzer.