Debbie Marshall has joined luxury specialist Villa Collective as a non-executive director as the operator looks to expand its trade presence.
Marshall is former managing director of CV Villas, set up by the parents of Villa Collective boss Nick Cookson.
She is also a board director of luxury travel specialists Bailey Robinson and Real Holidays, and managing director of the Silver Marketing Association. Marshall was also a non-executive director of The Thinking Traveller until 2020.
Albert Oliver has also been recruited as head of operations for Villa Collective as it seeks to expand by leading a growing team of experienced sales and operations consultants with a wide range of contacts in the travel trade.
Oliver held previous roles at luxury vacation rental firm Edge Retreats and Hush.
Villa Collective managing director Nick Cookson said: “Having positioned ourselves successfully in our heartland of the Greek Islands, we have ambitious growth plans for the business and are expanding further afield, offering a range of Mediterranean destinations for our loyal and discerning clients.
“We’re strengthening the team with the appointment of Debbie to the board and Albert as an experienced manager whose role includes developing relationships with luxury travel agents.
“We welcome enquiries from agents looking for top-end European villas and outstanding service”.
Marshall added: “It’s a pleasure to join Nick and his team in a sector of luxury travel that I am passionate about.
“Well over a decade ago, I worked with Nick’s parents, Richard and Patricia Cookson, the original founders of CV Villas, or Corfu Villas as it was originally known, and I’m delighted that their son is carrying on the family tradition with Villa Collective.”