Catherine Leech, co-founder of the travel inspiration site 101 Holidays, is to step back from day-to-day operations at the end of March after 16 years.
She will be replaced by Julia Kemp (pictured), whose experience includes nine years on the international executive leadership board at Avis Budget Zipcar together with roles in sales, partnerships, marketing and PR.
Leech will take up a non-executive role at the company which she founded in 2008 with former Sunday Times travel journalists Mark Hodson and David Wickers.
The website works with 130 travel brands and claims to attracts four million unique visitors a year.
Leech’s career in travel began in PR in the 1980s before becoming head of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism in Europe, chair of the Caribbean Tourism Association UK chapter and managing director of Caribtours.
Hodson, editor of 101 Holidays, said: “We are very excited to have Julia on board, given her wealth of expertise and experience in business development, marketing and building customer engagement.
“Catherine has been pivotal to the success of the company and will be a hard act to follow.”
Leech said: “I’ve witnessed some seismic changes and challenges in our industry.
“The last 16 years have been a joy, helping to build 101 Holidays from scratch to the forefront of online travel inspiration.
“It’s now time for me to practise what I’ve always preached – to spread my wings and travel more.”
Kemp said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at 101 Holidays, who have built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise through insightful and professional journalism.”