Significant leadership changes occur at First Class Holidays, marking a new chapter for the operator.
- Vicky Hart-Edwards joins as Director of Operations to optimise efficiencies.
- The operator witnesses internal promotions with Lorna Curry and Darren McCormick taking on new roles.
- Sharon Mason, a long-standing industry figure, announces her retirement.
- Hart-Edwards brings over two decades of sector experience to her new role.
In a strategic move to reinforce its operational framework, First Class Holidays has announced a significant recruitment with Vicky Hart-Edwards stepping into the newly created role of Director of Operations. Hart-Edwards is tasked with streamlining processes and driving efficiency improvements within the company. With a robust tenure exceeding 20 years in the industry, her expertise is expected to bolster the company’s aims of enhancing service delivery and expediting market readiness.
This appointment corresponds with the upcoming retirement of Sharon Mason, the current Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of the firm, who has dedicated nearly 30 years to her role. Mason’s departure is slated for August, marking the end of an era for the operator.
In addition to Hart-Edwards’ recruitment, the organisation is witnessing a ripple of internal promotions that fortify its leadership team. Notably, Lorna Curry assumes the position of Head of Product, further extending her influence within the company. Simultaneously, Keir Ashley has been elevated to Product Manager for South Africa and the Indian Ocean regions. Alongside these changes, Ali Hampton and Beth Fallon continue to form a core part of the product team.
Darren McCormick, who has been instrumental as Head of Reservations, is stepping into a role centered on commercial aviation, taking charge of the operator’s airline partnerships. This role expansion underscores the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its aviation links.
Daniel Gathercole, Managing Director, expressed his optimism regarding these changes. He highlighted Hart-Edwards’ calibre and the anticipated impact of her leadership on operational enhancements, as well as the importance of maintaining momentum in the company’s current trajectory. Hart-Edwards herself echoed this sentiment, expressing her enthusiasm for the new challenges and her commitment to innovation and partnership development.
With these strategic leadership changes, First Class Holidays is poised for a transformative phase, positioning itself competitively in the travel industry.
