A new four-strong senior global team has been recruited by Wendy Wu Tours as the operator looks to build on a successful first half of the year.
Group chief executive, Joe Karbo, previously general manager at Excite Holidays in Sydney, will be moving to London immediately. Global e-commerce director Andrew Miles, who joins from holiday transport company Hoppa, will also be based in London.
Laurence Hicks remains in London and has been promoted to group managing director.
Leslie Peden, previously with Rocky Mountaineer UK and US, Virgin Holidays Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises, has been appointed president for the US business.
New Australian general manager, Andrew Mulholland, was most recently the power behind the turn-around at the Adventure World group of companies.
The appointments have been made in line with recent growth and business objectives, the company said.
Wendy Wu Tours plans to double its global business by 2018 on the back of a 27% year-on-year rise in UK passenger numbers and a 30% jump in revenue from the UK.
Forward bookings for 2017 are up by 50% while Japan has seen the largest growth for this year.
Hicks said: “Our new appointments give us a great grounding to push on from recent successes so far in 2016 and grow the business in the next two years.
“We’re bringing in new ideas and plenty of experience to help us become the go-to group tour operator for trips to China and beyond.”
London-based company founder and chairman Wendy Wu said: “We are delighted to welcome Joe into an already experienced and talented team. His high level of expertise in the global travel marketplace and his proven leadership skills will bring new scope and energy to our business.”