Tour America has promoted its finance manager to the newly-created role of chief operating officer.
Deidre Maher (pictured), who will take up her new position at the company on November 1, has been with the Dublin-based tour operator for nearly 15 years.
Tour America founder and managing director Mary McKenna told Travel Weekly she wanted “a second in command” and chose Maher following a string of personality tests at management level earlier this year.
McKenna said: “[Maher] is going to be my second in command and will be in full control when I am there and will be in full control when I am not there.
“I trust her to make the right decisions.”
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McKenna has been mentoring Maher over the last six months to build her management and marketing skills.
Seven managers will report into Maher in her new role, which also covers Tour America’s sister brand Cruise Holidays.
Maher’s replacement has not yet been decided but McKenna hopes to have an update within the next four weeks.
McKenna said Maher’s skill set complements hers and hopes the appointment will inspire new starters at the business.
“It is always great to promote from within,” she said. “The team coming in can see there are opportunities.”