New CEO for TARSC

Mike Russell will head up TARSC as the new CEO for Vertical Systems.

He was formerly founder and managing director of Holiday Experts, which was acquired by the Vertical Group in 2009, and has recently been acting CFO for the Vertical Group.

In his new role, he will have complete responsibility for the technology side of the business and for the finances of the wider Group.

"The Vertical Group is very successful business, but has slipped back a little in recent years by losing its focus on bringing the very best, innovative solutions to the travel industry," said Russell.

"My key objective is to roll out the many new products that have been developed but, as yet not delivered to the wider audience and to ensure that Vertical Group"s products continue to develop and evolve.

"I aim to bring the latest technology to travel agents of all sizes to ensure that they can compete at the highest level in an industry that is becoming more and more concentrated by huge, technologically superior businesses."

Russell will be replaced by Sue Dennis, who has many years" experience in homeworking having previously worked for The Co-Operative Travel.

Peter Healey, Group Chief Executive said: "The recent economic challenges have forced us to look at our business structure to ensure we focus on the right areas to develop our business further."

By Bev Fearis

Monday, April 4, 2011