Caledonian Leisure has appointed former Specialist Leisure Group interim chief executive Gary Speakman as its non-executive group chairman.
The new short breaks specialist was formed in July by the former senior management team of coach brands Caledonian Travel and National Holidays, including Graham Rogers, managing director of the new group, and Martin Lock, commercial director.
It launched with the acquisition of Scottish coach holiday brand Caledonian Travel and self-drive themed short breaks specialist UKBreakaways.com, previously part of Shearings and National Holidays’ parent Specialist Leisure Group, which went into administration in May.
Speakman has held senior board level roles, mainly in the leisure, travel and retail sectors, for more than 30 years.
Between 2012 and 2019 he held the positions of chief finance officer, chief operating officer and interim chief executive at Specialist Leisure Group.
Speakman said: “I am absolutely delighted to once again be working with Graham, Martin and so many former colleagues. Caledonian Leisure represents an exciting new specialist venture, built around an exceptional management team and established brands.
“The new group has been very well received in the travel trade after its launch, and I believe strongly that this new and innovative leisure group is very well placed to take advantage of improving market conditions and a resurgence in staycations.”
Managing Director Graham Rogers added: “We are delighted to welcome Gary to our team. His experience and track record in the travel and leisure sector will be an invaluable asset as we look to grow and establish the Caledonian and UKBreakaways.com brands as the number one choice for great value staycation breaks and experiences.”
The group plans to expand the Caledonian Travel brand out of its heartland in Scotland to include departure points across the north east of England and Yorkshire.