Pictured Paul Carter
Paul Carter has been named as chief operating officer of Inghams, ahead of executive director Hugh Walton retiring in the autumn after 20 years with the operator.
Carter was previously chief operating officer and senior vice president operations, for RCI Europe and Middle East.
He will join the UK board of Inghams parent Hotelplan on September 7 and also be involved in its current active search for potential further acquisitions to join the UK group.
Carter will be responsible for Inghams’ established Ski, Lakes & Mountains and specialist Italy programmes, as well as for growth plans including a new Inghams Lapland & Northern Norway ‘Winter Inspirations’ programme.
The new role also covers aviation and operations responsibility for the whole, wider Hotelplan UK parent group, including sister companies Esprit Ski, Ski Total and Santa’s Lapland.
Andy Perrin, chief executive of Hotelplan UK, said: “Paul and I worked very successfully together earlier in our careers, and in our first major board-level change since the current Hotelplan UK Group came together in 2010, appointing Paul is a significant step in the development of our leadership team.
“We will all miss Hugh Walton hugely when he retires, but I am delighted that Inghams will then be led by someone with Paul’s huge experience, drive and ambition, to help take us forward at pace into the many exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Carter added: “There is very strong expertise in the group here, and I am really excited to return to specialist tour operating for such a great brand with a wonderful heritage.
“I very much look forward to us creating further value and clear differentiation in the Inghams customer offerings, and also hope to bring my experience to support the broader growth plans with potential acquisitions across the Hotelplan UK business.”