Vivid Travel appoints Kuoni head of commercial and product

Kuoni head of commercial and product Alexandre Gavalda is joining the bespoke long-haul specialist Vivid Travel set up by former Travel Republic bosses Kane Pirie and Adam Gill.

Gavalda starts as commercial director on January 25 following more than 14 years with Kuoni in France and the UK.

Vivid Travel was established last year and already has more than 25 staff with a broad range of experience from previous roles with Audley Travel, Cox & Kings, Kuoni, Scott Dunn and Wendy Wu Tours.

Managing director Pirie said: “We are delighted Alexandre is coming on board. Alexandre is very well respected in the industry, and is a tenacious character.

Vivid Travel is growing rapidly and Alexandre will play a key role in looking after our destination management companies and other partners as we expand around the world.”

Gavalda added: “Both my parents worked for Kuoni and I built my career there.

“Over the years I have turned down countless opportunities to join other businesses but when I met Kane and Adam and understood the scale of their ambition, it was a simple decision for me. I want to be part of this story.”