Escorted tour operator Newmarket Holidays has recruited two new senior product executives “in response to an increase in sales demand and encouraging results in the first half of the year”.
Rob Kinnersley is joining as head of transport and aviation while Mel Gambling has become head of cruise and events.
They take on their newly created roles amid a recruitment drive across several teams within the Newmarket workforce.
Nikki Bail, head of people and culture, said: “We’ve recently welcomed several new faces on board, and this feels like a major step to recovery.
“We’re feeling incredibly hopeful about what’s to come and how we’ll continue to expand and exceed expectations.
“Hiring both Rob and Mel into the product team will help deliver more exciting itineraries to ensure agents can get those all-important sales from the Newmarket Holidays’ portfolio.”
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Gambling said: “I’m grateful to be joining at a time when travel is finally back on track and customers are feeling confident and comfortable to explore the world and fuel their wanderlust again.
“My goal is to finesse the company’s event and cruising programmes, ensuring that our customers are getting the best experience for the best value.”
Kinnersley has more than 20 years of experience in supplier negotiations and relations, 14 of which were spent at Travelopia, as well as purchasing experience in both the ground and aviation divisions of the tour operation.
He said: “I’m eager to bring my knowledge and skillset in creating strategies to support the business’ key targets and requirements, while continuing to build strong commercial partnerships with suppliers.
“Drawing on my connections within the hotel, aviation, and leisure travel industries and my passion for travel, I’m now looking to further grow and elevate the aviation product for Newmarket Holidays and support the aviation team.”