JG Travel Group boss Andy Freeth is stepping down down “with immediate effect”.
Freeth, who became the group chief executive of the domestic operator in January 2021, is being replaced with the promotion of Chris Simmonds, who joined as marketing director in the spring.
Simmonds spent most of his career at Saga Holidays, where he was managing director and chief executive. He was also chief executive of Revitalise, a national charity and provider of breaks and holidays for disabled people and carers for nearly 10 years.
JG is the parent company of Just Go! Holidays, National Holidays, Omega Breaks and Albion Journeys.
Simmonds said: “I am excited about the challenge and opportunities ahead.
“We have fantastic brands with massive addressable market and great prospects. I feel privileged to have a strong support from the board and the business’s long-term backers, Kings Park Capital.
“Whilst the last couple of years have been challenging and turbulent for all of us in the travel industry, to say the least, I am excited to lead the group into the next phase in its history to deliver profitable growth, and to capitalise on the considerable opportunities that lay ahead for us.”
Company chairman Luis Arteaga said: “On behalf of the board and the rest of the business, I wish to thank Andy for his work since he joined our business amid a pandemic. He brought energy, passion and enthusiasm to the role and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Freeth said: “I’d like to thank Luis and Kings Park Capital for the opportunity and for their support over the last two years.
“The JG Travel Group is a great business that Chris is very well placed to lead.
“I wish him and the rest of the team all the best for the future as they continue to deliver great-value unique experiences.
“I look forward to some time off with my family before announcing my next role.”
Freeth previously headed tour operators If Only and Gold Medal/Travel 2 and was sales director of the Global Travel Group among other roles.