Joy Lacana is joining Intrepid Travel as EMEA head of industry sales as the adventure operator seeks to further strengthen its relationships with the trade.
Lacana previously held roles at Club Med for six years and more recently at JacTravel and TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals.
Based at new EMEA headquarters in Brixton, London, she will be responsible for the company’s trade distribution strategy and head a team of seven business development managers.
Lacana will work closely with senior business development manager Andrew Turner to nurture head office relationships with key partners and consortia as well as independent agents, according to the operator.
Intrepid launched its trade hub Intrepid Loves Agents earlier this year and plans to expand the initiative for 2017.
Lacana said: “I am thrilled to have joined Intrepid Travel at this exciting time in its development. It was Intrepid’s strong purpose beyond profit and responsible travel ethos that really attracted me to the role.
“Our style of authentic and local travel is a real growth market and holds fantastic potential for agents.”
Michael Edwards, managing director EMEA, said: “This is an exciting time for the business following our move to London and our significant growth plans for 2017. I’m confident that Joy’s experience will ensure our trade business continues to flourish.”