Adventure operator Explore has appointed two senior heads of team in newly created roles.
Rachael Stone joins this week in the new head of product role and Andrew Steward has been promoted to the new post of head of digital transformation.
Stone joins has 13 years’ experience in the sector, having worked for Tucan, Exodus and most recently Flash Pack, where she led product innovation and strategy.
Reporting to product director, Simon Grove, her priorities will be giving focus to the 15-strong product team already in place.
She said: “I have long admired the values and integrity of Explore, a values-driven brand with an outstanding reputation, and am really looking forward to helping the business return to being the number-one small group adventure tour operator.”
Steward has spent 10 years in the adventure travel industry, having spent six years in a senior digital role with the Intrepid Group before joining Explore to lead the digital marketing team three-and-a-half years ago.
He said: “I’m delighted to take on this brand new role at Explore, which really reflects the company’s dedication to digital.”
Michael Edwards, Explore’s managing director, commented on Stone’s appointment, saying: “Her breadth of experience in the sector brings a fresh perspective and a panoramic view – to ensure that our product is always ‘Better Than Yesterday’, in line with our brand values.”
Commenting on Steward’s promotion, he added: “We know that leading technology is absolutely crucial for our continued growth.
“Travel doesn’t have a particularly good reputation when it comes to the fast adaptation of digital and being agile – so with proper investment and the right team in place, led by Andrew, Explore is in a great position to make big steps forward.”