Andy Freeth leaves Classic Collection Holidays

Andy Freeth and Alexandre Gavalda are both leaving Classic Collection Holidays with agency sales and marketing director Si Morris-Green moving to a new role as B2B director.

Freeth was appointed chief executive of the parent company of trade brands Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays in November 2022.

Product and commercial director Gavalda has been with the company for almost five years and was previously commercial director at Vivid Travel and head of commercial and product at Kuoni.

Classic Collection was acquired by On the Beach Group in 2019 and offers luxury and package holidays predominately through independent travel agents.

On the Beach confirmed the departures were as a result of a leadership restructure following the announcement of its partnership with Ryanair, which currently does not cover B2B package bookings via the Classic Package Holidays brand.

A spokesperson added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy for being part of the On the Beach journey and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Freeth said: “I have really enjoyed my time with Classic Collection and On The Beach group. Whilst sad to leave I am equally excited to see what opportunities present themselves for the next chapter of my career.”

On the Beach said: “We remain committed to growing the business and supporting the trade with the service and product that we have a reputation for delivering and that they have come to expect.”

Freeth stepped down from his role as chief executive of JG Travel Group in September of that year. He had been at the domestic operator since January 2021.

He previously headed tour operators If Only and Gold Medal/Travel 2 and was sales director of the Global Travel Group, having started his career at Airtours.