Zuleika Fennell has been named as new chief executive of luxury villa specialist The Thinking Traveller.
The Thinking Traveller founders Huw and Rossella Beaugié will continue to be heavily involved in the business and work closely with Fennell during a transition phase.
She will also work with chair Ian Simkins, who in addition to his Thinking Traveller role is also chair of Saga’s cruise operation and the Inside Travel Group.
Simkins, who previously headed Audley Travel, joined the Mediterranean villa rental firm as it attracted a £7 million investment in November 2020 from UK private equity firm Piper.
Fennell joins from Corbin & King, where she was managing director of its restaurant group. She operated internationally renowned restaurants and hotels, including The Wolseley, The Delaunay and The Beaumont Hotel.
Huw Beaugié said: “We believe that bringing in an experienced and devoted CEO is the right step as the company expands and aims to become leaders in sustainability.
“Zuleika brings with her the experience and expertise we need to help us reach our goals, whilst at the same time enabling Rossella and me to focus on other areas of the company where we can add the greatest value.”
Fennell “has significant experience not only in operating businesses that deliver exemplary high-end service but also in working closely with founders, and we’re thrilled that her ambitions for the brand are so closely aligned to ours”.
Fennell added: “I’m extremely excited to be working with Huw, Rossella and The Thinking Traveller team.
“I’ve long admired the brand and its laser like focus on delivering unique, unforgettable experiences for travellers by carefully handpicking each of their unique properties.
“As a result, the brand has gained and retained incredibly loyal customers and won multiple awards. I can’t wait to work with the team to build on this deserved success.”