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AITO names new executive director
Former ABTOF chief Martyn Sumners has been appointed AITO executive director. He will join the association in March.
Sumners, who ran the Association of British Travel Organisers to France for seven years until 2013, is currently working as an event management consultant and corporate training provider specialising in business negotiation skills for large businesses.
AITO chairman Derek Moore said: "We had a number of strong contenders for the role of executive director, but Martyn Sumners’ previous experience with ABTOF meant that he understood AITO’s requirements as a consumer-facing travel trade association particularly well.
"He’s also worked for AITO member companies in the past, including Keycamp and Serenity Holidays, which gives him a rounded perspective from the member side of the fence, which we see as a key added bonus."
Sumners will join AITO in early March, shortly before Kate Kenward relinquishes her role as executive director.
"In the meantime, a management committee – John Tangney, Chris Rowles and I – with the back-up of our experienced AITO HQ team of Bharat Gadhoke, Pam Hersey, Yvonne Kinder, Sunny Singh and Tom Doyle, will keep things moving forward smoothly as we plan the forthcoming year and assist our members to face the challenges of Brexit," added Moore.
"We look forward very much to welcoming Martyn Sumners to AITO shortly, and hope to introduce him to members at our Annual General Meeting, on February 27."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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