The appointment of Travel Republic managing director Kane Pirie to the Abta board marked a watershed in the association’s 60-year history as appointed directors now outnumber those elected by members.
Pirie joined the board after a unanimous vote of its 13 members, just four of whom were elected as representatives of retailers or tour operators.
Two were appointed from outside the industry. The remaining six board members, plus chief executive Mark Tanzer, are industry appointees.
John McEwan, chairman of Abta, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary at this month’s Travel Convention in Malta, said: “Kane is an outstanding addition to a strong board.
“We’ve been trying to strike a balance between elected members and representatives of the industry. Kane’s appointment has less to do with representing the online sector and more to do with his expertise and experience.”
The board was reduced in 2007 from 18 members to nine. Abta’s rules were changed earlier this year to allow additional appointments to the board and a maximum size of 14.
Pirie and Travel Republic were at the centre of a long-running criminal case brought by the Civil Aviation Authority over alleged breaches of Atol rules, but the firm was found not guilty and the charges were dropped against Pirie.
Pirie said he had two main reasons for accepting the role. “Abta is taking a very active role on the whole consumer protection debate,” he said.
“I’ve had an extensive education in the issue over the last few years, and while I am not going to suddenly solve the problems, I would like to be more involved.
“Secondly, I was not even in the travel industry five years ago, so there is still a lot I would like to know more about.”
Daniel Ox, Como Street Travel e-commerce director, said: “Pirie’s appointment is a real benefit to Abta, online travel agents and the industry as a whole.”