Ex-Attraction World director Justin Mahoney to join Universal

Former Attraction World and Thomas Cook director Justin Mahoney is to join Universal Destinations & Experiences as EMEA sales director.

Mahoney will take over the role vacated by Paul Kelly, who is set to retire at the end of this year after 27 years with the company.

Mahoney will join on November 24 to allow for a handover period.

In two separate stints at Attraction World, Mahoney held a range of senior roles including commercial director, chief operating officer and managing director, and was chief commercial officer before leaving alongside chief executive Olly Nicholls in May.

He previously spent eight years at Thomas Cook, holding roles including finance & development director and head of commercial – retail.

Alison Montague, EMEA vice-president of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said: “We want to thank Paul, who has been at the heart of our sales team for the last 27 years, for everything he has contributed, and we look forward to welcoming Justin to the team very soon.

“Justin brings a wealth of industry knowledge and theme park sales expertise. With extensive experience as both a commercial leader and people manager, I’m excited to have him on board and look forward to great things from him.”

Mahoney added: “Joining Universal Destinations & Experiences is a very exciting next step in my career at a time when the company continues to open world-class attractions around the world.

“I’m honoured to step into this role and work alongside such a talented group of individuals and I’m extremely eager to get started.”