Washington swaps Expedia for Travel Republic parent dnata Travel

Expedia has no current plans to replace Andy Washington, its northern Europe managing director who announced his departure this week. Washington will switch to dnata Travel, the Emirates Group owned travel agency and logistics firm that owns UK trade-facing operators Gold Medal and Travel2. He has been brought in as Europe chief executive of dnata’s … Continue reading Washington swaps Expedia for Travel Republic parent dnata Travel

Expedia has no current plans to replace Andy Washington, its northern Europe managing director who announced his departure this week.

Washington will switch to dnata Travel, the Emirates Group owned travel agency and logistics firm that owns UK trade-facing operators Gold Medal and Travel2.

He has been brought in as Europe chief executive of dnata’s B2C business with responsibility for Travel Republic and Sunmaster, retailer Travelbag and Netflights.

A spokesman from Expedia said no leaving date for Washington had been set and there were no plans to replace him at present.

Washington will start his new role in December and report to Iain Andrew, divisional senior vice-president of dnata’s travel services.

Reporting to Washington will be Ian Simmonds, managing director of B2C short-haul brands Travel Republic and Sunmaster, and Tony Carty, managing director of B2C long-haul brands Travelbag and Netflights.

A well-known face in the UK travel sector, Washington joined Expedia in June, 2011, after a six-month spell working for Thomas Cook’s online business.

Most recent he has worked on a major project to bring Orbitz and ebookers on to Expedia’s technology platform.

Prior to Cook, he was sales director for lastminute.com, having joined the OTA from his role as sales and distribution director of Cosmos Holidays in 2008.

Andrew said: “Andy joins us at a very exciting time, as dnata continues to grow and strengthen our UK businesses. We are proud to boast the most dynamic team in the travel industry and I look forward to welcoming him as part of the executive team.

“His exceptional experience in leading consumer brands alongside our industry-leading trade team will ensure that our ambitious growth plans across all channels will continue to be realised.”