Lisa Fitzell will step down at the end of February from her role as managing director at luxury tour operators Elegant Resorts and If Only.
Gordon McCreadie, currently general manager at If Only, has been appointed as the new managing director of both brands, following Fitzell’s seven-year tenure as MD.
She said: “The time feels right for me to hand over the reins to Gordon after an incredible journey leading these exceptional businesses.
“On a personal level, both my children are preparing for university, and from a professional perspective, I am confident that the business is in a fantastic position to transition in the very capable hands of the senior leadership team.
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved during my time here. From navigating the challenges of the pandemic to overseeing the acquisition of If Only, launching Private Travel Designers, and evolving Elegant Resorts and If Only into two of the UK’s most successful and award-winning luxury travel brands, it has been an unforgettable experience.”
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Redmond Walsh, chief executive of parent Portman Travel Group, added: “Lisa and I have worked together for a long and successful time, and she leaves with my very best wishes. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Elegant Resorts and If Only into the thriving brands they are today.
“With Gordon and the senior management team at the helm, the future remains bright. Elegant Resorts and If Only will continue to devise and deliver bespoke luxury travel experiences for our B2B and B2C customers in some of the world’s most stunning destinations.
“We are excited about the next phase of growth and innovation under Gordon’s leadership, and the PTG board is fully committed to supporting him and his senior leadership team in realising their ambitions.”
McCreadie commented: “Having worked closely with Lisa and Redmond for over six years at If Only along with my senior team of David and Tracy and the leadership team at Elegant Resorts, I can confidently say these years have been among the most rewarding of my career despite all the challenges our industry has faced.
“Lisa leaves an incredible legacy, and I extend my best wishes to her for the future. With a strong succession plan in place and an exceptional senior management team ensuring continuity, we will continue to elevate the Elegant Resorts and If Only brands, ensuring they remain at the forefront of luxury travel with all agents.”
Fitzell also paid tribute to the “incredibly talented individuals” with whom she has worked, saying: “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team for their dedication, passion, and commitment to delivering exceptional luxury travel experiences.
“I am also deeply grateful to our valued supplier partners for their unwavering support and shared commitment to excellence.
“I have every confidence that Gordon will bring fresh vision, energy, and inspiration to lead the next exciting chapter of our business.
“With ambitious plans for growth and expansion, Elegant Resorts and If Only are in excellent hands.
“I also want to extend my gratitude to Redmond Walsh, our CEO, for entrusting me with the leadership of these outstanding brands and for steering Portman Travel Group to remarkable success, growing from a £150 million turnover in 2015 to a £1 billion+ business today.
“My thanks also go to the PTG leadership team – Jane, Matt, Mark, and Susie – for their support over the years.
“For now, I look forward to some well-earned rest, and quality time with my family.”
McCreadie hailed the teams in Chester and Glasgow as “the best in the business”, saying they are “a joy to work with, [and] alongside our valued agent partners, remain at the heart of everything that we do”.
“With the continued support of the Portman Travel Group, we are excited about the journey ahead and taking both brands to new heights. Get ready for a game-changing evolution in trade support,” he added.
“We’re launching bold, imaginative initiatives across both brands, set to elevate our partnerships to new heights – stay tuned for exciting announcements in the coming weeks and months.
“The leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for Elegant Resorts and If Only, reaffirming our commitment to delivering extraordinary luxury travel experiences while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
More: If Only acquired by Portman Travel Group [November 2019]
Elegant Resorts names Lisa Fitzell as managing director [November 2017]