Former Audley Travel boss Ian Simkins has been named as chair of Saga’s cruise operation.
He is currently chair of luxury villa specialist The Thinking Traveller and the Inside Travel Group which specialises in tailor-made trips to Japan and Asia.
Simkins previously held senior positions at Tesco, Tui, British Airways and Thomson Holidays.
He will join the board of the over-50s firm’s cruise operation on September 1.
Saga said Simkins “brings a wealth of experience from the travel and wider consumer industries, and specifically from the luxury travel market, having previously been the CEO of Audley Travel, where he grew turnover fivefold over seven years”.
He is one of three senior leadership appointments made by the Saga group, including fintech expert Anand Aithal as a non-executive director and Michael O’Donohue in the newly created role of chief data officer, moving from National Lottery operator Camelot.
Saga chairman Sir Roger De Haan said: “I am delighted to welcome Anand, Michael and Ian to Saga. I look forward to working with them as we focus on delivering the next phase of our growth strategy.
“They each bring extensive and relevant experience and expertise to the group at a time when the business is being reshaped towards a greater focus on marketing, content and distribution.”
Chief executive Euan Sutherland added: “I look forward to working with all three of the new appointees as we focus on delivering long-term, sustainable growth in the interests of all our stakeholders.
“Their wide-ranging specialisms further strengthen the group’s skillset at a time when we are rolling out our growth strategy and building Saga into the superbrand for older people.”