De Vial to become non-executive director of Light Blue Travel

Former Thomas Cook boss John de Vial is to become a non-executive director at Cambridge-based travel agency and tour operator Light Blue Travel.

Former Thomas Cook boss John de Vial is to become a non-executive director at Cambridge-based travel agency and tour operator Light Blue Travel.


De Vial – well known for his stints at industry giants Thomas Cook and Thomson and a potential candidate for the current ABTA chairmanship – has been recruited by Light Blue Travel chairman and industry veteran Roger Allard, also chairman of the separate All Leisure Group.


Allard said: “Light Blue Travel is very successful travel agency and small tour operator. John will help grow it even more as he has great expertise in travel and will help add to the depth and breadth of the business.”


Light Blue Travel was set up in 1992 and sells both leisure and business travel.


De Vial starts at Light Blue Travel on Monday, May 11, after leaving Thomas Cook last Thursday. His most recent position there was director of quality. Until last month he was also an appointed director on ABTA’s board.


More information:


* Freudmann’s ABTA directorship terms ends in April (March 26, 2009)


* Travel industry can expect more failures, says PwC director (Travel Weekly, April 30, 2009)