Travel Republic doubles IT developer capacity with new India division

Travel Republic owner dnata has doubled the size of its IT developer team, opening an office in India as it seeks to enhance the OTA’s technology and integrate with Gold Medal.

Travel Republic owner dnata has doubled the size of its IT developer team, opening an office in India as it seeks to enhance the OTA’s technology and integrate with Gold Medal.

The Kingston-upon-Thames-based retailer recently announced the departure of its final remaining founder, chief executive Paul Furner, who is to explore new opportunities.

Chief commercial officer Chris Roche is also leaving the firm this summer, just over two years since it was acquired by the Emirates Group-owned travel logistics and services firm.

Iain Andrew, dnata divisional senior vice president travel services, said the next generation of Travel Republic management were experienced and ready to step up.

Supporting them is a new Travel Republic India office with 25 coders based in Bangalore, which Andrew said effectively doubled the size of the unit.

He said they initially worked on interfaces with bed banks, but were now moving on to more advanced coding.

Paul [Furner] has gone, which is a shame because he was the last of the founders and he had some great skills on the marketing front,” said Andrew.

“It’s over two years now since the buyout and we have been quite focused on making sure that the next level down is strong, and a lot of those guys have been there for a long time.

“We still have the vision. Respect to the guys who are there now because they have a lot of ideas and we have resourced up our teams considerably.”

Roche remains with Travel Republic “working through some projects” and Andrew said he would be sorely missed.

“He’s a very knowledgeable guy. We’d always welcome him back if he would come back to us.”