Abta set to appoint new chair to follow Alistair Rowland

Abta will confirm the appointment of a new chair in the next fortnight, with the decision to be agreed at a special board meeting so the chair can be in place at the next scheduled board meeting on January 22.

Outgoing chair Alistair Rowland, chief executive of Blue Bay Travel, stood down from the board following Abta’s annual general meeting (AGM) on December 4, having held the position since 2019. His replacement will be selected from among the current directors.

The board is also expanding following an amendment to Abta’s Articles of Association agreed at the AGM that will allow the appointment of two additional directors – expanding the maximum number to 16.

More: Powder Byrne chief Edward Byrne to join Abta board of directors [Oct 25]

Tui managing director Neil Swanson appointed to Abta board [Feb 25]

The first was confirmed as Barrhead Travel managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, who was appointed to the board on January 8.

The additional members will serve two-year terms and, if reappointed, a maximum of three terms as do current appointees to the board.

Board members elected by Abta members also serve two-year terms but with no restriction on the number of terms they serve.

An Abta spokesperson said the amendment “gives the board more scope to ensure it comprises a range of skills and expertise reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of the travel industry and the environment in which Abta and its members operate”.

No date had been set for the special board meeting when Travel Weekly went to press on January 6.