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Explore starts search for new MD as Joe Ponte moves to Hotelplan
Explore Worldwide is searching for a long-term managing director after announcing Joe Ponte is to move to head up Hotelplan UK.
Ponte (pictured) is replacing Paul Carter, who has announced he’ll step down at the end of October for personal reasons.
Carter has been CEO of Hotelplan UK since spring 2017. His resignation is for personal reasons and not related to the coronavirus crisis.
Carter said: "It has been an absolute privilege to be at the helm here. I have had five challenging but fantastically enjoyable years with our award-winning brands. I want to thank my amazing team and colleagues, and the unwavering support from [CEO, Hotelplan Group] Thomas Stirnimann and the Hotelplan board."
Stirnimann said: "I deeply regret Paul’s decision to leave Hotelplan UK, but understand and respect the personal reasons behind this. On behalf of the entire Executive Committee, I would like to offer our sincere thanks for his tireless commitment with the Group and wish him the very best for his future."
Joe Ponte will start his new role as CEO of Hotelplan UK on 1 November, when he will also become part of the Hotelplan Group’s executive management team.
He moves from Explore Worldwide after 2.5 years as MD.
Before that, the 44-year-old worked in various companies in the tourism sector both in the UK and his native Australia.
"I am convinced that I have found the ideal successor in Joe Ponte. From his previous role he knows Hotelplan UK and the current challenges very well. I wish him every success in his new position", Stirnimann added.
Explore deputy MD John Telfer will take charge until a longer term successor is found.
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Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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