Tributes have been paid following the death of former Unijet, MyTravel and Thomas Cook executive Chris Young from cancer aged 66.
He started is travel industry career as head of creative services at Unijet in 1989 before moving to Airtours parent MyTravel as head of marketing services/e-commerce operations director for four years.
He then spent ten years until 2013 as publishing and content director at Thomas Cook before becoming managing director of Kaleidoscope Publishing Solutions.
Former colleague Ed Sims, president and chief executive of Canadian carrier WestJet, said: “Some of the best known, most loved brands in the UK travel industry with one creative powerhouse behind much of their success.
“My dear friend Chris Young was never one to blow his own trumpet but changed the face of the industry with his work.
“Chris taught everyone around him about the importance of creativity, reliability, diligence, resilience and humility.
“All those lucky enough to know him are better people because of his influence.”
Ex-Specialist Leisure Group chief executive Richard Calvert, former managing director of Thomas Cook UK mainstream tour operations, described Young as “one of the nicest, hard working and talented guys in travel”.
He added: “Chris was just simply a lovely guy and taken from us too early. I was privileged to work with him and have him s a friend.”