The Power Edition – Powerful Women

The most powerful people working in the online travel industry in the UK are predominantly men. So who is flying the flag for the females? Karen Vaites Bohannon, managing director, EMEA, Expedia Private LabelKaren is the first dedicated director for the Expedia Private Label business. She is responsible for ensuring the continued growth across Europe…

The most powerful people working in the online travel industry in the UK are predominantly men. So who is flying the flag for the females?

Karen Vaites Bohannon, managing director, EMEA, Expedia Private Label
Karen is the first dedicated director for the Expedia Private Label business. She is responsible for ensuring the continued growth across Europe both within the travel sector as well as for non-travel websites. Already this year Expedia Private Label was announced as the hotel partner for Ryanair.com.

Caroline Cartillieri, vice-president and managing director, Expedia
Caroline is a brilliant all-rounder. She has brought her experience within retail giant Kingfisher to Expedia, as well as commercial and strategic clout which will, no doubt, help her maintain the online giant’s position in the UK space.

Francesca Ecsery, general manager, Cheapflights.co.uk
Francesca has been brought in to maintain Cheapflights’ UK position as well as drive the UK business further. She has a long history in the travel industry, in both tour operating and online ventures, so is well-placed to focus on the UK while colleagues eye overseas expansion.

Rachel Howes, UK managing director, Booking.com
Rachel took on the MD’s role in the summer after a successful three-year tenure building business in other regions and developing hotel relationships. She now heads up all UK operations and business development. She is currently formulating a strategy for growth and structuring her team.

Caroline Noble, UK director, Opodo
Caroline was one of the new recruits when CEO Ignacio Martos took the reins. Her current focus is continuing to ensure the technology remains cutting edge with innovative tools such as EscapeMap. She’s also looking at future developments to improve the overall booking experience.

Nishma Robb, group distribution director, Travelzest
Nishma is charged with developing the group’s online capability. She has to combine specialist tour operators with larger online distribution sites to maximise the potential of Travelzest’s brands. The online company plans to continue to create niche holiday brands in profitable and expanding market segments.

Victoria Sanders, sales director, Teletext Holidays
Victoria heads up a team of 20 focusing on media agencies, key accounts and new business. In addition to Teletext Holidays her team is responsible for travel display advertising across 55 websites including Travelmail.co.uk, Thisistravel.co.uk and Inluxury.co.uk. Her current challenge is the growth of digital TV.

Elaine Seeto, director of marketing, Amadeus
Elaine was taken on to deliver Amadeus’ growth strategy in the UK and Ireland. Since her appointment the company claims to have progressed to 31% in the UK and 27% in Ireland. She has also focused on increasing Amadeus’ hotel distribution strategy.

Teresa Walsh, head of trade sales, Lastminute.com
As head of trade sales, Teresa has responsibility for Holiday Autos, Medhotels and Globepost. She is currently charged with selling long-haul destinations as part of Medhotels’ growth strategy. Teresa is also focused on promoting car-hire to agents as an alternative to transfers and taxis.