Not Just Travel has appointed Stephen Badger to the newly created role of chief financial officer to support the homeworking agency’s growth plans.
He has more than 25 years of experience, having trained with global business consulting firm Deloitte. His career includes seven years at Virgin Media; luxury hotel firm Mr & Mrs Smith; and most recently, Evora Global, a global ESG consultancy and software business.
Badger’s introduction to the business was via the same onboarding and induction programme as new travel consultants.
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He said: “Joining travel consultants on the training week was very important to me as it helped me understand the business from the members’ point of view.
“Not Just Travel appeals to a wide range of personalities – everyone has a unique story.
“Spending time on the ‘shop floor’ helps management teams make informed and better decisions, understanding the impacts they are having on staff, suppliers and customers.”
Paul Harrison, co-founder of Not Just Travel and its recruitment arm, The Travel Franchise, added: “It’s similar to how each senior leadership team of Starbucks goes through the same training as a new barista and working the shop floor.”
Badger said he is “passionate” about travel, having explored many destinations and lived in the Middle East and Australia.
“As soon as I met [co-founder] Steve Witt, Paul Harrison and [non-executive director] Derek Jones, I knew our personalities and ambitions aligned,” added Badger.
“Not Just Travel is a formidable company with incredible potential and I look forward to working with senior management, the board, the staff team and the consultants on taking Not Just Travel to a whole new level.”
Harrison added: “With his incredible talent and reputation, Stephen can pick and choose where he works – yet he chose us because of the trajectory we’re on.
“He is an A-player and will surround himself with exceptional talent. We’re pleased to have an industry heavyweight on our team to help guide us as we grow.”