Veteran travel industry figures Chris Harrison and Derek Jones have taken on strategic roles at Diverse School Travel, signalling a new growth phase for the company.
- Harrison, previously managing director at Dawson & Sanderson, steps in as chief executive, bringing his extensive leadership experience to steer the company’s development.
- Derek Jones joins as a non-executive director, leveraging his vast expertise from leading roles in the travel sector to benefit Diverse School Travel.
- The appointments come as co-founder Jamie Gardiner shifts to a part-time role, while retaining his position on the Abta board.
- Diverse School Travel specialises in cultural and educational experiences, focusing on personal growth and academic enrichment for students.
Travel industry stalwarts Chris Harrison and Derek Jones have been appointed to pivotal positions at Diverse School Travel, marking a dynamic shift in the company’s trajectory. Harrison, formerly the managing director of Dawson & Sanderson, assumes the role of chief executive. He is tasked with overseeing product development, sales and marketing, and business strategy, aiming to propel the company towards its next expansion phase. His departure from the role of chief commercial officer at Not Just Travel, after a brief tenure, highlights a strategic shift towards more specialised educational travel.
Chris Harrison’s extensive career in the travel industry spans more than a decade, during which he successfully led Dawson & Sanderson, a northeast-based travel agency chain, for 11 years until 2022. Reflecting on his new appointment, Harrison expressed enthusiasm about joining Diverse School Travel, recognising the significant potential within the educational travel sector to deliver innovative and inspiring programmes for schools and students. His appointment coincides with significant transitions within the company, as co-founder Jamie Gardiner moves to a part-time position while continuing to serve on the Abta board.
Derek Jones, a highly respected figure in the travel industry, joins Diverse School Travel’s board as a non-executive director. Jones brings a wealth of experience, having held prominent positions as UK chief executive of Der Touristik and managing director of Kuoni Group UK. His strategic insights are expected to contribute significantly to Diverse School Travel’s growth and operational efficacy. This development comes as the company aims to leverage his operational and strategic expertise for future advancements.
In a statement about the transitions, co-founder Jamie Gardiner expressed his excitement about the new appointments, emphasising the company’s commitment to growth and product development. Derek Jones’s extensive background in the industry is expected to offer unparalleled insights, enhancing the company’s operational strategies and moving towards accelerated growth. Together with Chris Harrison, Diverse School Travel is well-positioned to embark on a proactive phase of operational enhancements and market expansion.
Diverse School Travel is a provider of educational travel programmes that emphasise cultural immersion, academic enrichment, and personal development. The latest executive appointments are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the company’s market position and enhance its offerings in the educational travel sector. Both Harrison and Jones bring a robust blend of experience and strategic vision intended to elevate the company’s growth trajectory and deliver exceptional value to their educational clients.
With seasoned leaders like Harrison and Jones on board, Diverse School Travel is poised for strategic growth in educational travel.
