Top level overhaul at The Travel Corporation triggered by Jeavons departure
The Travel Corporation (TTC) has overhauled its management structure following UK/Europe managing director Donna Jeavons’ decision to join Abercrombie & Kent.
A new EMEA region has been created with the appointment of South Africa boss Kelly Jackson as managing director, combining two teams into a single ‘powerhouse’.
UK-based Becky Francis has been appointed as EMEA sales director, supporting the new structure which has already seen the implementation of a dedicated contact centre.
The new organisation will allow TTC to “fuel growth with purpose through collaboration, knowledge-sharing and innovation,” the company said, adding that the departure of Jeavons had opened up an opportunity for privately-owned travel company to look at its UK, Europe, Ireland and South African offices.
TTC tour brands for the UK, Ireland and Europe include Contiki, Costsaver Tours, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold.
Chief executive Gavin Tollman said: “These new roles were created to enable more efficiency in our structure and to further strengthen the integrity of our award-winning brands – all to serve our trade partners better.
“The knowledge, skill set and experience that Kelly and Becky hold, bring immense value at a time where we are on a path of very intentional growth.”
Tollman added: “Kelly has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry – 15 of which have been with TTC – and brings a wealth of knowledge to this new structure.
“After leading Contiki as general manager in South Africa for 11 years, she was appointed as head of sales for TTC – a position she held for three years. In 2020 she was promoted to managing director of TTC in South Africa and has rebuilt the South African business post-Covid from a team of 15 to a team of 53.
“Becky has exceptional trade relationships and knowledge of the UK industry, and, like Jackson, started her career at Contiki and worked her way up.
“I know both of these executives have the drive and ability to take the newly formed EMEA region to even greater heights.”
Jackson said: “I am confident in this new structure and the incredible team that is in place for the EMEA region – we could not be stronger or better suited and it is without a doubt that this new structure is designed to seamlessly support our valued travel agents.
“I look forward to meeting our UK, Europe and Ireland partners and introducing Becky to our South African trade partners very soon.”
Francis added: “As TTC forges ahead to develop our strategic plan, it’s essential that we have the right structure in place to achieve our goals, and the creation of the EMEA region within the company is an invaluable part of the process.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity and am delighted to be working alongside Kelly in her new role and am thrilled to be getting to work alongside our TTC team in South Africa and meeting their valued trade partners.”
