OTA Blue Bay Travel creates new product manager role

Former Tui and Kuoni purchasing manager Sam Dowling appointed

Growing agency Blue Bay Travel has created the role of product manager following the recent recruitment of Alistair Rowland as chief executive from Midcounties Co-operative.

The new role has been taken by Sam Dowling, who has previously worked for Kuoni as produce and purchasing manager and Tui.

Dowling also held a board position at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation.

He will be responsible for product procurement, predominantly in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Middle East regions.

The latest appointment by the Stoke-on-Trent-based company follows the hiring of product manager Steve Silver in August.

Dowling said: “Given the current troubles in the industry, Blue Bay have a clear growth plan and I’m very proud to have the opportunity to contribute toward this.”

Product management director Greg Armstrong added: “To be able to hire someone of Sam’s calibre at a time like this is absolutely fantastic.

“I have no doubt that Sam will hit the ground running and will really help to drive the product vision we have forward.”