The Travel Corporation (TTC) has promoted Donna Jeavons and Chris Townson following the resignation of Rachel Coffey as sales and business development director for Trafalgar, Costsaver Tours, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
In addition to their existing remits, Jeavons – sales and marketing director for Contiki Holidays in the UK and Europe – will now take the reins of Trafalgar and Costsaver Tours in the UK and Ireland, while Chris Townson, managing director of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection in the UK and Ireland, will take responsibility for Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
They will be responsible for the continued growth of their respective brands with the trade, which TTC said remains “at the heart” of its commercial strategy in the UK and Ireland.
Townson will report to Ulla Hefel Böhler, global chief executive of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, and continue to report to Ellen Bettridge, global chief executive of Uniworld.
Jeavons will report to Gavin Tollman, global chief executive of Trafalgar and Costsaver, in addition to Adam Armstrong, global chief executive of Contiki Holidays.
More: Rachel Coffey to step down from The Travel Corporation
Tollman said: “We continue to see huge potential for growth in the UK and Ireland, so it is vital we have the right people leading our brands in these markets.
“For us, the succession path was clear. At TTC, we are always proud to be able to give our existing talent the platform to step up, and we are delighted that Donna has accepted the opportunity to lead Trafalgar and Costsaver here.
“Over the past seven years, Contiki has experienced dynamic growth under Donna’s leadership, with the Contiki UK team winning our coveted Sales Team of the Year award for two consecutive years during that time.”
Böhler said: “Given the synergies of our premium and luxury brands in terms of message, audience and strategic partnerships, it makes total sense for us to bring them together under single leadership with Chris.
“He has fantastic relationships with relevant agent partners and has taken Uniworld’s business from strength to strength in the UK, with Uniworld leading the way for 2021 bookings and big ticket trips for 2022.”
In a joint statement, Townson and Jeavons said: “Rachel and her team have done a brilliant job laying the groundwork in this market, putting us in a very strong position to capitalise on pent-up demand as we emerge from the pandemic.
“We look forward to working with the talented team and of course with all our much-valued industry partners, and who can continue to rely on our 100% commitment and support.”
They will take up their new roles with immediate effect, working alongside Coffey for a handover period to ensure a smooth transition.