Autumn 2024 Recruitment News & a fantastic WTM!

As we look back on the extremely Autumn in the world of recruitment across Travel, Hospitality and Technology, we also thought we’d include our WTM round up as part of this months newsletter from #TeamGK. The clocks have gone back and the evenings are drawing in. Time to think about what the next year may hold for us all – and the excitement of fresh starts…

We’ve continued to see a strong level of roles that we have been instructed on, as well as an exciting number of new appointments in general. It’s fantastic to see so many businesses getting in good shape with their teams ahead of January.

World Travel Market (WTM) London proved to be another fantastic show, with many of our clients showing their increased presence through some brilliant stands and wonderful events.

We caught up with many of our candidates who have taken up exciting new positions, including Chantal Tomlinson , Head of UK & Ireland for RateHawk and Matthew Carpenter , UK Trade Sales Manager for Corendon Airlines . It’s such a pleasure to work with amazing people, both client and candidate alike - and great to see them all so super busy at WTM!

Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment / #TeamGK also hosted an event at The Fox and we were overwhelmed and honoured to see so many industry faces join us for what was a lovely evening as we all caught up together. Thank you everyone for making it such a wonderful occasion. We won’t mention just how many beers we all got through!

The industry really continues to thrive and a whole host of our guests have taken on new roles in recent months, or expanded their teams with brilliant talent. The energy and optimism were tangible - and we are all super excited to see what’s next in travel and leisure hospitality.

Our guests also included some of the fantastic Ramble Worldwide team. We were thoroughly delighted to work with the team in searching for their new Managing Director, following the announcement that Kevin O'Regan was to step down. In came Wayne Perks and what a fabulous candidate to take up the reigns. Kevin has overseen an entire rebrand and the business seems in excellent shape as it enters its next phase. Wayne brings a wealth of experience and energy and we are confident, he will be a true asset. Staying with Ramble Worldwide, they have also announced their addition of Jane Atkins as Non-exec Director. Jane’s experience and love of the great outdoors feels truly aligned, and we wish Wayne, Jane and all the team, every success. Kevin -we will follow your adventures and look forward to catching up again soon!

Some exciting news also came out of Panache Cruises , with Alex Langton Alex joining as Head of Sales & Operations, as well as Rhianna Latham joining the business as Head of People & Culture – fantastic to see such investment in their people – and staying with Cruise, Carnival Cruise Line also announced the appointment of IHG’s Peter Clarke , who has joined as Chief Operations Officer.

We also continue to work closely with a variety of specialist operators and were delighted to be instrumental in Sara Rowland join Experience Education as Head of Marketing. Good luck Sarah!

Over at G Touring , we introduced Curt Brown who recently join as Commercial Analyst. Curt, you join a fabulous team and we wish you the very best of luck.

Across in Hospitality & Leisure, we have continued to work closely with Leonardo Hotels , with Kat Moore joining recently as Cluster Sales Manager and Beth Ross joining as Cluster Director of Sales.

We were also delighted to place Anna-Maria Vrakas at RWL as Head of Digital. We send all, our very best wishes as they take up their new responsibilities.

As we look at the world of travel technology, some exciting news came out in the industry for Traveltek Ltd. , who have been acquired by Juniper Group . A segway to previous Traveltek executive Tracy Sharp whom we send our very best wishes to as she recently took up the post of VP of Commercial at Kaptio , having been with Traveltek for just over 5 years. An exciting new challenge for Tracy and we look forward to catching up with her and the Kaptio team along the way.

Internationally, as well as having Kay Bustin over in Singapore, our Senior Consultant Richard Merry has also been working hard in the US market. We are thrilled to see Rusty Fletcher take up the position of Business Development Manager and Will Wegner as Key Account & Partnership Manager for Celestyal . Exciting times for them and for #TeamGK! If your business needs someone to generate business for you either online or via the trade in the US, we are building up a wealth of candidate talent over the pond.

It’s important also to again acknowledge the length of time it can take in the process of searching for the very best talent for your business. Finding the perfect fit for your team is our absolute focus, so please do feel free to get in touch with any of us here at #TeamGK for a chat about your future plans.