New retail distribution plan at Travelzest
Wednesday, 18 Nov, 2009
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Travelzest group distribution director Nishma Robb is to leave the company as it announced a top-level shake up.
She has resigned but will remain on the board and work for the company until January 31.
Robb joined Travelzest in April 2006 and has been responsible for developing the group’s online capability.
She was previously at Teletext Holidays, a subsidiary of Associated Newspapers (a division of Daily Mail & General Trust), of which she was a board director.
Jonathan Blizzard, formerly general manager of JMB and WOW House, has been appointed general manager (UK operations) at Travelzest with responsibility for improving the overall efficiency of operations in the UK as product, sales and distribution functions are unified.
Nick Wrightman, previously general manager of Tapestry Collection, becomes vice president of product (UK operations).
Steve Diederich, previously managing director of Best of Morocco/Faraway Holidays, becomes vice president of sales operations (UK operations). He will be improving the strength and consistency of Travelzest’s UK customer service offering.
Stuart Morris, previously marketing vice resident of Canadian arm itravel2000, becomes group vice president of marketing for Canadian and UK operations. He is also leading the “redevelopment” of Travelzest’s retail distribution in the UK, the company said.
The changes came as the group said that it anticipates underlying trading for the year ended October 31 to be in line with its expectations.
The restructuring of UK operations will provide “much needed” strategic refocus on retail distribution, product and sales operations.
“Summer trading was slightly behind expectations; however we continue to see improvements in operational efficiencies that we believe will provide stronger operational results going forward,” the company said.
The group’s tour and retail operations have been merged to ensure resources and knowledge are shared.
A new retail distribution strategy to expand the market presence of Travelzest brands and products is also being pursued.
Once completed, there will be a centralised UK-based operation into three offices from seven, “enabling the group to maximise resources and cross selling opportunities”.
CEO Jonathan Carroll said:“Our Canadian operations have performed exceptionally over the year considering the difficult market conditions. We are particularly happy with the team and their dedication to working through these difficult times.
“We are very excited about the new management team we have put together for both the UK and Canada and are looking forward to a stronger performance from our operations with the new structure in place.”
Jack Fraser, Travelzest’s chief operating officer and financial director, added:“The fully integrated platform we are developing will assist us in building a stronger and more unified offering.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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