Youtravel appoints new sales director
Accommodation-only supplier Youtravel.com has appointed two former employees of rival bed bank Hotels4U to its team.
Andy Baker, who was previously head of sales at Hotels4U, has joined Youtravel as sales director and Ranj Kundi, formerly commercial manager at Hotels4U, has been made head of commercial.
The appointments follow the decision by Youtravel founder John Kent to stand down as chief executive earlier this month. He has been replaced by his deputy Jacky Bedlow.
"I am delighted to have such experienced professionals joining our management team – giving it the direction it needs going forward and building on the success of what has been a very positive year for Youtravel as a bed bank," said Bedlow.
"Andy and Ranj bring extensive expertise to the roles, having worked in senior positions in the sector for several years."
Andy Baker said: "This is a tremendous opportunity to build on the solid foundations of our 2013 performance and Youtravel’s return to principal status, as we look to entice significant national and international growth in ourcustomer base. While we have had a very important upturn since the company’s acquisition by the FTI Group, we need to consolidate on the positive collaboration with our partners and ensure that the heightened interest in youtravel.com is converted into even more bookings by agents keen to make the most of our hotel prices, destinations and principal status."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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