John Bevan joins CallUma board

Former lastminute.com managing director John Bevan has joined CallUma as a non-executive director. Bevan left lastminute.com in October last year after four years and stepped down from his position on the ABTA board at the same time. CallUma provides emergency translation and help services for holidaymakers as well as trackable luggage tags and information on…

Former lastminute.com managing director John Bevan has joined CallUma as a non-executive director.

Bevan left lastminute.com in October last year after four years and stepped down from his position on the ABTA board at the same time.

CallUma provides emergency translation and help services for holidaymakers as well as trackable luggage tags and information on resort amenities by texting or phoning its helpline.

Bevan hopes to help expand CallUma through his industry contacts. The company, founded by Tony Partridge, also has BCP Parking founder Stephen Moss on the board.

The business is poised to announce several deals with travel agency groups. Bevan said its out-of-hours emergency phone service could be of particular interest to dynamic packaging agents or tour operators.

He said: “There are a lot of opportunities for the business and there will be some educating to do with agents and operators. Where the service comes into its own is when you are stuck, such as when your hire car breaks down, you lose your passport or have your wallet stolen.”

He added: “I also believe the service has a role to play in reducing insurance claims on lost luggage with its tracking service.”

Bevan is also working as a consultant for three other firms.