HF Holidays appoints new chief marketing officer to ‘help lead future growth plans’

HF Holidays has appointed James Gambling to the newly created role of chief marketing officer.

He will join the walking holiday specialist later this month from JG Travel Group where he was marketing director.

Gambling has also held roles as director marketing operations and brand communication director at Saga Travel, chief marketing officer at Real Response Media and marketing director at Travelopia.

He will report to chief executive Chris Simmonds and be responsible for marketing, partnerships, membership, as well as the contact centre and group sales team.

Gambling joins as the operator had a record year and is planning its strategy for 2026.

HF Holidays chief executive Chris Simmonds said: “Having worked with James in the past, I am confident that he will bring a great deal of experience in travel, brand and data-driven marketing to help lead our future growth plans for the HF Holidays brand.”

Gambling added: “I’m really looking forward to joining HF Holidays.

“It is such a unique brand with a powerful heritage, and a strong purpose – the potential of the brand is huge, and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

“It will also be fantastic to work with Chris again, and I look forward to getting to know my new colleagues at HF too.”