Experienced travel executive Steve Allen is the latest recruit to a start-up consultancy created to help businesses rebuild from the Covid-19 crisis.
The former dnata senior vice president has returned to the UK from Dubai after three years to join Firebird Partnership.
Allen brings experience from both the business and leisure travel sectors, including roles as chief executive of Portman Travel, managing director of Wexas, marketing director for holiday exchange firm RCI and commercial director at Thomson Holidays.
He has also helped steer a number of specialist travel companies as an advisor and non-executive director.
Founders Ian Finlay and Stewart Lambert have more than five decades of industry experience between them.
Firebird has taken on two new directors since launch to keep up with the high demand for its services. The firm has advised on two successful MBOs and is acting for several owners on the sales of their businesses.
Former Tui director Finlay said: “We are delighted to be working with so many fantastic and unique travel businesses – helping them navigate the Covid crisis, ready to come back stronger and better. Steve brings a wealth of experience and insight, particularly in the corporate sphere.
“The coming months will be critical for many in travel, and there are few consultancies who can match our growing team’s skill and experience.”
Allen added: “The Firebird Partnership was created to help travel companies work through the crisis and prepare for tomorrow and beyond.
“Given the seismic changes our industry is responding to, I’m keen to play my part in helping businesses move forwards, working alongside the experienced and knowledgeable Firebird team.”
