Former apprentice Ashley Quint has been appointed as director and shareholder of agency TravelTime World.
He will assume the new position of innovation director, with founders Jackie and David Steadman remaining directors, along with their son James who will also now take a shareholding in the business.
Jackie Steadman will maintain a majority shareholding and remain “hands on” within the Berkhamsted-based company on a daily basis.
Quint joined the company 18 years ago as an apprentice straight after leaving school.
He was described as being instrumental in the success of the agency over that time, as one of the first in the industry to understand the value of social media in marketing and building strong relationships with clients, suppliers and national media.
Jackie Steadman said: “As we approach our 30th anniversary, this year has been our most successful ever and we felt the right time is right to lay the foundations for the company’s future.
“Ashley has been invaluable in helping steer the company through the pandemic, despite challenging circumstances.
“Over the years, he has developed an increasingly loyal client base which has been built upon his continued eagerness to learn.
“Hopefully Ashley’s story can also inspire the next generation, proving that starting in the industry as a trainee apprentice is a great platform to achieve when you have the dedication and enthusiasm to succeed.”
Quint added: “I would like to thank Jackie and David for their support over the last 18 years, not all of those have been easy.
“I joined as an apprentice after rejecting an opportunity to go to university, a move which was highly unusual at the time, wanting a different challenge.
“My new role is a vindication of that decision and I’m honoured to have someone as influential as Jackie put their trust in me. This is just the beginning, and I’m really excited at what we can achieve in the future.”