Sunvil boss Chris Wright and Lady Minette Batters – the former president of the National Farmers’ Union – have been appointed to Abta’s board of directors.
Their appointments were confirmed at Abta’s AGM on Thursday (November 28), together with Giles Hawke, Celebrity Cruises’ vice-president and managing director for the UK, Ireland and EMEA, who was elected to the Abta board earlier this month.
Former Kuoni boss Derek Jones has stepped down from the board, having served for more than six years.
Wright is group managing director of Sunvil and has 26 years of experience in strategic management, business development, operations, aviation, retail travel and industry regulation.
Lady Batters has a wealth of experience dealing with senior politicians, having worked with four prime ministers and six secretaries of state from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs during her NFU presidency.
She also spoke at last month’s Abta Convention about sustainability.
Alistair Rowland, Abta chairman, welcomed them to the board, adding: “Their varied and in-depth experience and expertise will prove invaluable as we continue to represent members’ interests with government and other influential decision-makers.
“I would also like to thank Derek Jones who is stepping down from the board, for his service and invaluable input during his time on the board.”
Jones remains in his role as chairman of the Abta LifeLine charity.
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