Specialist tour operator Peter Sommer Travels has appointed a non-executive director to help the business as it embarks on a new growth plan.
Ian Finlay, co-founder of The Firebird Partnership, has joined the board of directors at the firm, founded in 2002 by archaeologist and award-winning documentary filmmaker Peter Sommer.
The company, a member of The Specialist Travel Association (Aito), specialises in cultural trips across Britain, Europe and Turkey led by expert guides, archaeologists and historians.
The majority of its tours are sold direct to consumers but it also works with travel agents. It has a dedicated customer base in the UK, US, and Australia.
Sommer, company owner, said the firm has enjoyed “valuable pieces of advice” over the last decade from Finlay, especially during the pandemic, and had now taken the step to appoint him to the board.
He said: “After 21 years of running Peter Sommer Travels we decided we needed an outside perspective and a fresh pair of eyes to see how we do things currently and what we can do better.
“With his extensive and intimate awareness and understanding of all things ‘travel’, Ian [Finlay] was the natural choice. In just a couple of days, he has already provided great insight and a real sense of optimism about the future.”
Finlay has spent more than 30 years in the travel and leisure industry, as a director of more than 50 businesses, running companies in 11 countries worldwide, and specialising in fast, sustainable, profitable growth. In 2020, he co-founded consultancy and corporate finance advisory service The Firebird Partnership to help high quality businesses grow.
Speaking about the announcement, Finlay said: “I’ve known Peter for nearly 10 years and have always greatly respected him and the business.
“Peter Sommer Travels delivers amazing customer experiences, and has core values that align with mine. I’m delighted to be working with Peter, Elin [Sommers, co-director] and the team to help them grow the business in a sustainable fashion, introducing more people to the wonders of the ancient world and the fascinating cultures of the countries they visit.”
The Firebird Partnership specialises in the travel, hospitality, leisure and education markets. Founded in partnership with expert financier Stewart Lambert, its team of directors now includes Chris Thompson, Safia Bhutta, Matt Purser, Lucy Haines, Mark Bush and Gordon Mathie.