The List: The 10 who will shape outbound travel
Over the coming months, The List will feature some of the most influential and intriguing people in travel.
The next Abta chairman will be named in 2013. The remit is challenging: to unify a body torn between agent and operator members. Nominations will be made by board members and could go to a vote. Here, Travel Weekly’s The List assesses who some of the favourites and some long-shots for the role.
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Daniele Broccoli, managing director, Britaly Travel
Narrowly beaten in 2009 by Advantage chief executive John McEwan, Broccoli would be a popular choice among agents. But concerns may be raised about whether he has the standing in the industry to lead the association’s diverse membership. A more high-profile contender is likely to attract support from larger Abta members, although Broccoli won 46% of the votes three years ago.
Doreen McKenzie, proprietor, Knock Travel
With her 40 years’ experience as a high street agent, McKenzie would be a popular choice among the agent community. The only woman in our list, she ticks all the boxes in terms of background. McKenzie was hotly tipped the last time the chairmanship was up for grabs, but opted not to stand. She was beaten by Broccoli in an election last year for the Abta board.
Alistair Rowland, group general manager, Midcounties Co-op
Rowland heads one of the industry’s fastest-growing and most ambitious independent travel agency groups. His many years’ experience as Mike Greenacre’s number two at The Co-operative Travel ensures he would champion travel retailers. However, with his major task of building Midcounties, would he want the distraction of heading Abta as well?
Noel Josephides, managing director, Sunvil Holidays
An experienced industry veteran, Josephides has the standing but would be a surprise choice. Recent comments about online agents mean he would not be well received by OTAs, which say he doesn’t appreciate how the industry has changed in the internet age. Josephides backed Broccoli in 2009, saying it was vital Abta was headed by a small retailer.
Kane Pirie, managing director, Travel Republic
Pirie was brought on to the Abta board in 2010 to ensure the association was representing the views of online agents. His battles with the CAA were backed by Abta and Pirie is said to have become an influential figure in the association. His link with the new Association of Travel Agents and departure from the Abta board this week significantly lengthened his odds.
Andy Cooper, director of government and external affairs, Thomas Cook
There’s probably no one more versed in the regulatory, political and technical aspects of running a travel business than the former Federation of Tour Operators director-general. However, he would represent the very opposite of the unity candidate Abta is understood to be seeking due to his association not only with tour operators, but also one of the big two.
Hugh Morgan, managing director, Cosmos & Monarch Holidays
Now back based in the UK having worked as Cosmos’s overseas purchasing director in Majorca, Morgan, who boasts 43 years of tour operating experience, is extremely popular within the industry. However, he was asked to return to the UK to do a major job at the Monarch Group and one that is still far from complete, so might be considered a non-starter.
Roger Allard, chairman, All Leisure Group
One of our dark horse candidates from outside Abta, Allard is the man the industry calls on in a crisis. The CAA brought him in to sort out the mess of the XL Leisure Group collapse and he is one of the sector’s most respected operatives. Can he represent all the different factions of the travel sector? There are some who feel he is the ideal candidate to do just that.
Mike Greenacre, former managing director, Co-operative Travel
Since leaving The Co-operative Travel after 30 years at the beginning of this year, Greenacre has continued to play an active role in the industry. He is an ambassador of the Abta charitable Trust Lifeline and industry charity Just a Drop and vice-chairman of The Travel Foundation. Another industry big-hitter on our list, but also not considered to be among the favourites.