Abta directors have acted to increase the number of representatives of small agencies on the board by voting in Daniele Broccoli as an appointed board member.
It was announced earlier this week that the Britaly Travel director would take up the role when his current term as an elected director ends in April. He represents retail members with an annual turnover of less than £20 million.
The sector will gain a second representative in elections in March. The board also appointed All Leisure Group chairman Roger Allard with effect from February.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Daniele Broccoli has done an excellent job representing independent agents.
“We want to maintain his experience on the board while encouraging someone else to come through.”
Broccoli said: “It’s fantastic news. [My appointment] will free another place for an agent. It will be brilliant to have another independent on the board. There are never enough of us.”
He added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for someone new, and an opportunity for me to try to finish the work we’ve started. I’m so pleased. It gives a chance to bring someone with new ideas on to the board.
“I want to make sure agents are well represented; I still work at the counter.”
Broccoli suggested it was important to encourage more women on to the board. “There are some great people in the sector and I’ll welcome anyone. But we need more women on the board,” he said.
The Abta board comprises a maximum 14 directors: five elected by members, including the chairman if there is a contested election, eight appointed by the board and the final place taken by the chief executive. However, until Allard joins there are only 10 following the resignation of Travel Republic managing director Kane Pirie last year.
Broccoli stood for the role of chairman when John McEwan was first elected four years ago. McEwan is due to stand down following Abta’s AGM in April.