Former Global Travel Group managing director Andy Stark has died, aged 57.
Stark, who had recently taken a senior role at city sightseeing operator Tootbus, passed away on Tuesday morning at home after a short battle with cancer.
From 1988, he spent 20 years at First Choice, rising to regional operations manager, before moving in 2009 to ex-Travel 2 parent Stella Travel Services, which was sold to dnata in 2014.
Stark later led the then-dnata owned Global Travel Group travel agency consortium, where he was managing director from 2012 until January 2021 after its acquisition by The Travel Network Group was completed.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, whom he married at his hospital bedside last week, and his son Josh.
Ex-colleagues paid tribute to Stark.
Andy Freeth, chief executive of JG Travel Group, worked with Stark at Global Travel Group as well as Gold Medal and Travel 2.
He said: “Andy’s mum thought he was crazy giving up his job as a joiner in Sheffield to go to Ibiza with his mate Paul to become a holiday rep. She thought he would never come home to settle.
“After a highly successful career overseas with First Choice we were lucky to get him back here to be a huge part of the Global Travel Group and wider UK businesses success.
“His infectious smile, warmth and generosity will be hugely missed in an industry that is all about people.
“He leaves behind an enormous gap in my life and will be hugely missed by me and my family. A work colleague, a friend and absolutely one of the good guys.”
Andrew Botterill, chief executive of TravCorp Holdings, who worked in various organisations, said: “Andy and I were friends for over 30 years. Over that time, we have shared many good times both personally and professionally.
“I’m desperately sad to have lost my friend and devastated for his wife Ellie and son, Josh.”
Cherie Richards, chief of staff at Not Just Travel, and former director of commercial at The Global Travel Group, said: “Andy was my friend, my colleague and my boss and we made so many lovely memories with the Global members and employees that I know many will look back and smile at today.
“Sharing photos just this week for Andy’s wife and family to create a memory book, it made me smile to see Andy enjoying life.
“He will be missed by so many, but I will treasure my working days and memories made with Starky.”
Lisa Henning, managing director of Inspire Europe Ltd and former chief operating officer at The Travel Network Group, said: “So sad to hear of Andy’s passing. He was truly one of the industry’s larger-than-life characters with such a kind heart.
“Over the last few years, he reached out to me on several occasions to see if I was ok, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. My deepest condolences go to his family and friends at this time.”
Ailsa Pollard, chief executive (UK & Europe) of dnata Travel Group, said: “The whole dnata Travel Group family is saddened to hear of Andy’s passing.
“His leadership, industry knowledge and humour were all highly valued during his time with us, first of all with Stella Travel Services and since 2012 as managing director of The Global Travel Group.
“Our sympathies are with his family and everyone across the industry who had the pleasure of knowing him.”