Tributes have been paid to travel industry executive, investor and consultant Michael East, who has died after a period of illness.
The news of his death was confirmed by his wife Christine, who said: “With broken hearts, myself and the East family announce the death of my beloved husband, Michael East.”
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Hall of Fame member East founded, led and invested in a number of leading companies within the travel industry, and was most recently a strategic consultant, advising and representing banks, investment houses and UK travel companies.
A qualified accountant, he started his career at Clarksons Holidays in 1969, eventually becoming group financial director before joining Horizon Holidays.
After a period in Singapore, he returned to the UK to found a travel industry consultancy company, and in 1986 founded Argyle Executive Recruitment.
He was later managing director of Kingley Event Management Solutions and daily travel newsletter e-tid.com before their acquisition in 2014 by Travel Weekly parent Travel Weekly Group, now Jacobs Media, of which he was a founding shareholder.
Jacobs Media owner and chairman Clive Jacobs said: “This is an incredibly sad day for me and the entire travel industry. Michael understood the industry intimately and was able to both advise and bring together its leaders with authority and gravitas.
“He had a great eye for talent and created some of the industry’s premier events such as the Hall of Fame and the Agent Achievement Awards, which I am proud now sit within the Jacobs Media portfolio of companies.
“On a personal level Michael was like a second father who guided me through the many ups and downs of my industry entrepreneurial journey. It was Michael who reached out to me when Travel Weekly was about to be discarded and he became a valued founder shareholder and board member of Jacobs Media some 15 years ago.”
Jacobs added: “Michael will be sorely missed by me, my team and all those who worked with him during his illustrious time in our industry.
“Our thoughts are with his family and in particular his remarkable wife Christine who was at his side and supported him so bravely in the final years of his life.”
Kristina Wallen, founder and managing director of HARP wallen, told Travel Weekly: “Such sad news. Michael was a remarkable influence on my career – together with many others.
“We set up Argyle Executive Recruitment together in 1986. He showed confidence in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
“Michael instilled in me the importance of DE&I – he was ahead of his time as a male ally and a firm believer of equity and inclusion.
“Travel well Mr East – you have left a great legacy with so many that have worked with you and for you. Our love and thoughts are with your remarkable Christine and family.”
A private, family funeral will be held in the coming weeks, with a memorial celebration to be held later. The family has requested no flowers but donations can be made to Parkinsons UK on this link.
• Further tributes were paid to him on Travel Weekly’s LinkedIn page.
Daniel Le Merle, head of product at Swimtrek, said: “Michael also taught at Brighton University bringing real business insights to spice up our learning and inspire graduates to join the industry. A true leader.”
Roddie Macphee, past-president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association and a senior manager at Barrhead Travel, added: “Very sorry to hear this sad news. Michael was indeed a true gentleman and my sincere condolences go to his wife and family. RIP Michael.”
Gillian Wickers, head of UK leisure sales at British Airways, said: “So very sad to hear this. I worked with Michael at Argyle and he was a mentor to me for many years after. RIP Michael.”
Gail Kenny, chair at Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment, posted: “Very sad to hear of Michael’s passing. Michael introduced me to travel recruitment and I thank him for believing in me. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Michael. A true legend, who will never be forgotten by so many.”
• Others paid tribute to him on Travel Weekly‘s Facebook page including:
Julia Kemp
Very, very sad news, so many travel memories created by this man RIP.
Wendy Hartley-Scarff
So sad to hear this news, RIP
Philip Dickinson
Very sad news, a worldly wise gentleman who will be sorely missed. RIP Michael.
Ian Donald Scott
Very sad to hear about Michael East passing, he was a very great guy. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Rick White
Very sad news, I worked with Michael for many years at Argyle Recruitment. He will be missed, a true legend.
Sue Foxall
So sorry to read this. A true legend of the travel industry that so many of us looked up to.
Kevin Hall
RIP Michael. You took me under your wing in my early days and were a wonderful mentor. You will be missed by so many.
Andy Huntley
Sad to hear this, worked with him on many occasions including when he was Trevor Harding’s best man
Carol Dray
Very sad to read this.
Michael made a huge impact on the travel sector and many individuals. I remember watching the mighty Arsenal at Highbury with him on many occasions, rest in peace Michael
Jonathan Hitchens
Michael was a real innovator in the travel space and he had an effect on all of us.
Keith Searby
A real legend, sad news
Jane Atkins
I think we must all have a ‘Michael story’. A real gentleman who treated everyone equally. Condolences to his family. RIP sir xx
Paula Lacey
Very sad news indeed. I am sure he was involved in many of our careers at some point. Always a gentleman and a true industry legend.
Amanda Matthews
Very sad news. Michael, may you rest in peace and thinking of all of Michael’s family at this difficult time
Alison Cryer
How very sad and what an enormous loss to the industry, a true legend. Michael has always been there since I started in the industry and it just won’t be the same without him. My love and condolences to Christine and his family.
Tricia Warwick
Oh such sad news. What an industry contributor and legend. I was lucky enough to work with Michael at Eastcastle Management before I moved to Dubai. He taught me several lifelong lessons and it was great to see him in action. RIP Michael.
Shaun Hinds
A true industry legend. Very sad to read this and sincere condolences to Michael’s family.
Diane Court
Very sad. He was such a lovely gentleman. RIP Michael.
Fiona Jeffery
A character within the industry who made his mark and helped others to make theirs. An ambassador for Just A Drop, he helped organise significant dinners and never lost his commitment to the charity, for which we are forever grateful. Big hugs Christine. I know how devoted you were to him, your love and care extraordinary.
Nathan Philpot
So many writing gentleman of the travel industry. He was. RIP Michael.
Elaine Jones
Such sad news to read for us industry veterans. Such a lovely gentleman and extremely well respected in the industry. RIP.
Heli Salmons
So sad to read this, so many fond memories RIP Michael xx