Ex-Carrier head of product and commercial Simon Jeffries is to lead a new sports travel division at luxury rival Elegant Resorts.
He has been confirmed as director of the new venture, working closely with Destination Sport, also part of the Portman Group.
The move will offer the opportunity to pursue new commercial opportunities for Elegant Resorts to evolve the brand and create a new sports tour operator.
Jeffries has almost 30 years of travel industry experience in product and commercial roles, starting his career as contracts manager for Cresta Holidays before spending 11 years at Travel Counsellors where he helped develop its in-house tour operating model before spending seven years at Carrier.
Elegant Resorts’ managing director, Lisa Fitzell said: “We see a real opportunity for Elegant Resorts to develop the best luxury sports travel company.
“Thanks to Destination Sports, which is part of the Portman Travel Group like us, we already have access to the most exciting sports fixtures around the world and with Elegant Resorts, we are combining our expertise to deliver the very best luxury sports holidays. I wish Simon every success in his new role.”
Jeffries added: “I am genuinely thrilled to join Elegant Resorts and have this opportunity to build a new business unit across the wider Portman Travel Group.
“The role combines my personal passion for sport and luxury travel, and I am excited to start working with colleagues across the group to deliver a market-leading luxury sports travel business.”