Industry veterans Chris Harrison and Derek Jones have been appointed to senior roles at tour operator Diverse School Travel.
Former Dawson & Sanderson boss Chris Harrison has become chief executive of the schools tour operator while former Kuoni managing director Derek Jones has joined the company’s board as a non-executive director.
Harrison will oversee all aspects of the company’s operations, including product development, sales and marketing, business strategy, and help to drive the company’s future growth and expansion.
He was managing director of the northeast-based travel agency chain Dawson & Sanderson for 11 years until 2022. Most recently he was chief commercial officer of Not Just Travel, but left after just under a year.
He said: “I am thrilled to join Diverse School Travel at such an exciting time for the company.
“Educational travel is a sector with tremendous potential, and I am confident that my experience and expertise will help us to deliver even more innovative and inspiring programs for schools and students.”
Harrison was managing director of the northeast-based travel agency chain Dawson & Sanderson for 11 years until 2022. Most recently he was chief commercial officer of Not Just Travel, but left after just under a year.
The business was started more than 11 years ago by Jamie and Aygun Gardiner. Harrison’s appointment coincides with a decision by co-founder Jamie Gardiner to move to a part time position on the board as chair. Gardiner continues in his position on the Abta board.
Speaking about both appointments, Gardiner said: “This is an exciting time for Diverse School Travel and we’re thrilled that we’re able to welcome Chris onto the team. As a brand, we’re committed to the growth and development of our product.
“It’s a time of change at the brand. Not only are we moving to our next growth phase with Chris, but we are changing at board level too.
“As Aygun and I prepare to take a less active role, we’re looking forward to welcoming Derek Jones. Derek is an extremely experienced travel professional and we’re ready to hit the ground running, putting his insight and intelligence into action moving forward.”
He added: “Derek brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience within the sector that is unrivalled. With extensive operational and strategic experience across some the world’s premier travel brands, we’re keen to see what a difference that will make to Diverse School Travel. With Derek and Chris both onboard, we’re ready to accelerate operations and growth over the coming years.”
Jones, who is a non-executive director of Not Just Travel, was UK chief executive of Der Touristik and MD of Kuoni Group UK, and prior to that worked in numerous senior roles at Tui for more than a decade.
Diverse School Travel provides educational travel experiences, offering programs for schools and educational institutions. It focuses on cultural immersion, academic enrichment, and personal growth.