10 September 2009

ABTA beefs up management team

A new head of public affairs to spearhead ABTA lobbying has been recruited by the organisation.

Edelman account director Luke Pollard has worked with Thomas Cook and has experience leading campaigns in Westminster and Brussels.

Nikki White is joining ABTA as head of destination strategy and services from marketing firm Fox Kalomaski where she was head of strategy and development.

The appointments follow a management restructuring at ABTA earlier this year.

Pollard said: "Through the work I’ve done for Thomas Cook and the FTO in the past I know what an exciting sector travel is to work in and just how pressing many of its public affairs challenges are.

"ABTA’s investment in public affairs makes this role an exciting opportunity to really showcase the best of the sector’s thinking and ensure that travel receives the recognition it deserves by Westminster and Brussels."

White said: "I'm delighted to join such a strong team at ABTA and one that is committed to building expertise in crucial areas such as sustainability. These are challenging times and I am keen to ensure that we provide leadership and insight on these key issues for our members".

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "We are delighted to welcome two such exceptional individuals to the ABTA team. With the benefit of their expertise and leadership ABTA’s operational and lobbying abilities will go from strength to strength."

by Phil Davies