They may not be as well known as their peers, but this group of Rising Stars are getting noticed around the online travel industry. Watch out for these ten in the future. Hichame Assi, head of e-commerce, On Holiday GroupAn English literature graduate who turned his attention to the digital world, Hichame joined the On…
The Power Edition – The Rising Stars
They may not be as well known as their peers, but this group of Rising Stars are getting noticed around the online travel industry. Watch out for these ten in the future.
Hichame Assi, head of e-commerce, On Holiday Group
An English literature graduate who turned his attention to the digital world, Hichame joined the On Holiday Group in January as head of e-commerce, overseeing operations on Fresh Holidays and Holiday Nights. Has already put in six years at Octopus Travel – including a stint at sister brand Ebookers.
Tom Daniell, online media manager, Lastminute.com
Tom, a graduate in travel and tourism management from Northumbria University, joined MedHotels.com to develop its direct business. He was soon promoted after the acquisition by Lastminute.com and made online marketing manager for the group. He is currently the group head of search, overseeing PPC, organic, affiliate and partnership marketing.
Jonathan Davies, head of e-commerce and relationship marketing, Eurostar
Rail is clearly a focus for Jonathan during a career that has seen him take responsibility for online sales at London Underground and spearhead the launch of the successful Oystercard scheme. He now oversees the London to mainland Europe high-speed rail service’s online sales and marketing, including the Frequent Traveller loyalty programme.
Daniel Forster, general manager, web division, United Co-Op
Daniel was a key player in the development of the MyTravel e-commerce strategy after initially moving up through the ranks at Direct Holidays. United was quick to snap him up in 2004 as its head of new media, where he supervises the web strategy of a series of consumer-facing online brands.
Oliver Garner, online marketing manager, TUI Travel
Joining in August 2005 as online campaign executive for the then Thomson Holidays, Oliver had already spent three years with The Away Company as well as a year with Seligo. Responsibilities now include price-comparison engine activity and search marketing.
Steven Moore, head of e-commerce, Hotels4u.com
Steven is almost a veteran of the old school after 11 years with First Choice Holidays and, before that, Olympic Holidays. He moved to the Hotels4u.com bedbank in 2006 as head of product and planning before landing his current role in July 2006.
Matt Pack, web and marketing director, Holiday Extras
Following a university placement with British Airways, Matt joined Lastminute.com as a technical project manager before becoming a consultant to his father Gerry’s Holiday Extras brand. Huge growth in the company has seen Matt expand the web and e-commerce team from six in 2004 to 74 this year.
Phil Iveson, associate director for car, rail and insurance, Expedia
An Oxford graduate in philosophy, politics and economics, Phil was placed on the marketing graduate scheme at Thomson Holidays. Since then he has worked for Tesco on the Clubcard scheme and on new media opportunities for TheTrainLine. Phil now works on strategy and supplier relationships at Expedia.
Stephen Scott, head of e-commerce, Air Miles
A writer and photographer on the side, Stephen sold tailor-made holidays for Kuoni before moving to the marketing department to become editor of Kuoni’s World Magazine. In 2000 he moved to Air Miles to work on its content management and usability before switching to his current role overseeing all online revenue and strategy.
Amy Thistlewaite, online marketing manager, STA Travel
Amy has worked with Dell, Disney and AstraZeneca in the US and UK advertising worlds. Since joining STA in April to oversee online advertising, affiliates, search, SEO and mobile, she has also spearheaded the launch of its application on Facebook.
