Former Virgin Holidays marketing boss joins Cheapflights

Former Virgin Holidays head of marketing Sam Otter has been named in the newly-created role of global head of customer and marketing communications at Cheaflights.

Former Virgin Holidays head of marketing Sam Otter has been named in the newly-created role of global head of customer and marketing communications at Cheaflights.

She will report to global marketing director Andrew Shelton, who she worked with at Virgin Holidays, and who joined Cheapflights in October.

Otter takes responsibility for customer communications and engagement, including global offline advertising activity.

The travel comparison site is looking to increase the pace of the brand expansion with the launch of next-generation sites and tools over the next six to nine months.

Cheapflights’ parent Momondo Group sealed a multi-million pound investment from Boston-based private equity fund Great Hill Partners last autumn valuing the online travel group at more than £132 million.

Shelton said: “This is a key appointment for Cheapflights as we look to further build engagement in the UK, US and English-speaking markets around the world.

“Our growing suite of flight search and travel comparison tools is helping to empower the next generation of travellers; putting insights, travel advice and great prices at their fingertips.

“Sam is a talented, proven marketer and has an important role to play in helping us to build closer relationships with connected users around the world. I am delighted to be working with her again.”

Otter said: “Cheapflights is a real consumer-champion brand, with clear benefits and an exciting story to tell.

“I am very much looking forward to building deeper relationships with our community of 100 million-plus users around the world – and bringing our story to a wider audience in the most relevant and engaging way.”