Hotelplan UK has promoted group commercial director John Mansell to chief operating officer, with a remit across the Inghams, Esprit Ski and Santa’s Lapland brands.
Mansell will join the Hotelplan UK board alongside chief executive Joe Ponte, the leaders of Explore and Inntravel, and the company’s chief financial officer, HR director and head of sustainability.
The role has been in place historically and is now being reinstated following the return to operations of the Inghams, Esprit and Santa’s Lapland brands.
Ponte said: “John has spent 13 years working across the Inghams, Esprit and Santa’s Lapland brands. From John’s previous role he knows these brands very well and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable throughout the pandemic.
“His experience and direction will be key in leading these three brands operations as we continue to build back better and take them to the next level. I know that he will be an absolute success in this expanded role.”
Mansell said: “2022 follows what has been some of the most challenging years the travel industry has seen.
“I’m extremely proud to have worked alongside such a devoted and hardworking team of passionate people at Inghams, Esprit and Santa’s Lapland. Without their commitment and resolve we wouldn’t be in the fortunate position we are in today—taking people on the holidays they’ve been long waiting for and celebrating what has been one of our most successful winters for quite a few years, even with the season’s slow start.”
He added: “I’m delighted to be leading that team as we continue to build on the successes of the last few months. We will continue to work with our partners to deliver the best possible service and experience for our customers and build back better our operations and customer offering.”
Mansell’s promotion will see head of reservations Christie Green promoted to sales director, and a new role, head of commercial, open for applications.