Aito head of membership to join global payments specialist

Emma Taylor, Aito’s head of membership, is to join global payments specialist Repayd as head of partnerships.

Taylor will leave the Specialist Travel Association (Aito) in July after more than two years, during which time she played a key role helping to grow and support the organisation’s membership of tour operators, travel agents and business partners.

She takes up her new role at Repayd in August, leading the company’s partnership strategy to strengthen relationships with travel businesses, industry organisations and strategic partners worldwide.

Taylor said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aito and would like to thank the team, members and industry partners I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years.”

Describing the new job as an “exciting opportunity”, she said: “Joining Repayd in August allows me to take on a more global role and explore a different area of the travel industry.

“Throughout my career, I have worked across many sectors of travel, from tour operating and aviation to cruise and consumer protection, and I am excited to bring that experience to a business operating on an international scale.”

She added: “Payments may not always be the most visible part of the travel industry, but they are fundamental to every booking and every travel business. I am looking forward to working with partners around the world and supporting the next stage of the company’s growth.”

The move comes as Repayd targets ambitious international growth, investing in partnerships across the global travel sector.

Will Plummer, chief executive of Repayd, said: “Emma’s experience across the travel industry, combined with the relationships she has built throughout her career, make her a fantastic addition to Repayd.

“As we continue to expand globally, partnerships remain a key part of our growth strategy and we are delighted to welcome Emma to the business. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make as she joins us in August.”

Taylor’s appointment follows a period of significant growth for Repayd, which is continuing to expand its global team and international partner network.

The company has made several senior appointments this year, including Erik Crouch, business development manager, and Eric Belma, international business development executive, to strengthen its position as a leading global payments partner for the travel industry.

Repayd, formerly known as Trust My Travel, is a merchant solution built specifically for travel companies, allowing them to take payments with financial protection embedded into the payment processing. It aims to offer a fit-for-purpose, risk-free merchant account.