First Class Holidays has appointed a managing director to replace Paul Ainsworth, who has become the company’s chairman.
Daniel Gathercole started as MD of the tour operator this week.
Previously, Ainsworth, co-founder of the business, was managing director. The appointment of Gathercole also sees director and co-founder Sharon Mason move into the new role of chief operating officer.
Ainsworth and Mason will both still be heavily involved in the business in their new roles.
The decision to recruit a new MD has been made to support the growth of the business, said Ainsworth. He added: “Dan joins us at an exciting time in our development and brings a wealth of commercial experience which will help us drive the business forward.”
Gathercole joins from outside the travel industry. He has spent the last five years as marketing director of golf retailer American Golf.
He said: “I’m delighted to be joining such a great business built on service and trust. It’s an exciting time for us and I am looking forward to working with Paul and Sharon to help First Class continue to grow. The passion the team have is incredible and I can’t wait to meet some of our partners in the coming weeks and months.”