Industry stalwart Jo Rzymowska said she will help Hays Travel to continue its growth as the independent agency group moves “into a new era”.
The former Celebrity Cruises EMEA vice-president and managing director will join Hays Travel as a non-executive director from Wednesday (November 1).
Speaking to Travel Weekly at the Travel Convention in Bodrum, Turkey, Dame Irene Hays – owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “We are very careful about who we appoint to our board. It is a very precious business.
“What I wanted was the depth of travel expertise but also somebody who I have seen challenge the system in all sorts of different circumstances – and that is what we want in Hays Travel as we continue to grow. And the growth plans for 2024 are very exciting.
“It’s important in order that we satisfy national governance guidelines that we have people who don’t just contribute positively but they have the ability to cut through and to challenge what’s happening and what it is that we need to do to make us fit for purpose for the future.
“I can think of nobody better than Jo Rzymowska.”
Rzymowska said: “I was genuinely honoured and delighted to be asked.
“It is a business that I admire, and have done for a long time – both John [John Hays, founder] and Irene individually, but as a business overall, to look at being the most profitable business but that gives back to the community and really cares about how the business develops going forward.
“What has happened over the last few years is incredible, and how the business has grown. But it’s now moving into a new era.
“I’m going to learn so much and to be involved in a business that is not just about cruise – yes, I love that sector – but [Hays] is such a broader sector, with IG [Independence Group], with incredible shops and with the homeworkers and lots more to come.
“The important thing is a non-executive director, it’s keeping your nose in but your hands out…understanding the business and seeing how you can add value.”
Hays explained that Rzymowska’s non-exec role follows the appointment of former dnata and Silver Travel Advisor boss Lisa McAuley, who became strategy director in July after joining as a non-executive in 2021.
“People of the calibre of Lisa and Jo do not come along very often in this industry. It’s more important that we get it right than we get it quick,” said Dame Irene.
“Jo crawled all over the business – [she] wanted to interview lots of people, wanted to understand lots of things and that will come as no surprise to anybody.
“And I would have been astonished if that had been a quick yes.
“Now we have a really very strong and very talented executive team. And what we wanted was that real breadth, expertise and world class that Jo will bring.”
Rzymowska added: “I’ve always said I am evolving; the R [retirement] word doesn’t exist in my vocabulary. I want to now spend time with businesses and individuals where I hope I can add value and vice versa. I can gain a lot as well.”
More: Jo Rzymowska to join Hays Travel as non-executive director
Jo Rzymowska to step down from Celebrity Cruises [December 13 2022]