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ABTA chairman election was another close call
Noel Josephides has become the new ABTA chairman after winning 52% of votes in a leadership contest.
The chairman of Sunvil Holidays takes up the post after an election process involving the ABTA Board and a ballot among all ABTA Members.
Just over 40% of members voted in the elections, around the same number as voted four years ago when John McEwan was elected.
Josephides thanked his opponent, Roger Allard, for contributing to such an open and lively election campaign.
"I look forward to working with him in his capacity as Board Director, along with the rest of ABTA’s Board and management team, in my new role," he added.
Allard thanked those who voted for him and passed on his congratulations to Josephides.
"I look forward to working with him as I will still be on the ABTA Board, supporting what I think is right," he said.
Former ABTA chairman John McEwan said: "We have experienced another very close election with Noel just pipping Roger to the post. It reminds me of my contest with Daniele Broccoli, four years ago, which was a really close run affair also!
"This democratic process, in which members have a say, is very healthy for the asssociation.
Noel and Roger are both very capable and experienced people that care passionately for the industry and will continue to make a great contribution.
"I am sure that Noel will do a great job in chairing the board and Roger, as a board member, will add his particular expertise to the important debates on regulation on policy. The ABTA board is exceptionally strong and provides representation from the whole membership. I am confident, that with Noel’s leadership, they will make decisions in the best interests of the total membership."
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer congratulated Josephides on behalf of the Board.
"He has a vast amount of industry experience that will prove extremely valuable as we make further strides in delivering our business plan for the Association," he said.
Josephides will take up his role as chairman at ABTA’s next Board meeting on July 24.
Diane
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