Youtravel.com has announced the departure of UK managing director Matt Cheevers after just eight months in charge in a restructure that sees founder John Kent taking a more prominent role.
The trade beds supplier said Cheevers, who was made managing director last August after the departure of Graham Nichols, will not be replaced. Youtravel also announced it has secured new funding from existing Abu Dhabi shareholders.
As a result of the latest management reshuffle at Youtravel group chief executive John Kent will assume more control, although this was also announced as part of the Nichols departure last year.
This also saw sales and marketing director Paul Riches leave the company. Riches was the first empoloyee of the bed bank when it was set up five years ago.
Youtravel said Cheevers’ managing director role will be “dissolved” and Kent will take on more involvement in the day-to-day management of the business from the company’s offices in the UK.
In a statement it added: “Kent will be actively involved in sales strategy and implementation, leading the sales team together with head of UK sales, Hannah Wheeler and head of commercial Liz Garfield.
David Howell, group managing director, will remain in place to focus on finance and investments.
Cheevers will leave the company at the end of March. Kent said: “I would like to thank Matt for his contribution over the past 15 months. He leaves with my very best wishes for the future.”
Neil Bowen will expand his role at the group’s UK sister company Aquis Hotels and Resorts and join the board of directors, overseeing the company’s core functions.
Kent said: “The restructuring is aligned to three main priorities – to ensure speed and accuracy in decision-making, to enhance sales strategy and implementation and to strengthen the existing business and develop new capabilities. We will continue to make changes as necessary in order to best meet today’s and future market needs.”
On the new investment from the Middle East Kent added: “This new funding will enable us to continue to offer our trade customers excellent prices and availability. We are committed to the UK trade and my team and I look forward to a strong year ahead with our partners.”