The former chief executive of specialist operator Meon Villas, Stefan Olszowski, has passed away.
Mr Olszowski died on Saturday 9 October, aged 68, after a long illness.
First Choice has made the following statement about Mr Olszowski: “Well-known throughout the travel industry and widely admired for his honesty, integrity and fairness in all his dealings, Stefan Olszowski steered Meon Villas to a position where it was viewed as one of the UK’s best specialist tour operations over a period of 23 years, from his purchase of the company in 1976 until its sale to First Choice in 1999.
“He was also responsible for developing successful brands in Longshot Golf Holidays and the long haul specialist Silk Cut Travel, which were formerly part of the Meon Travel Group.”
First Choice Holidays chief executive, Peter Long made the following statement: “Stefan’s drive and commitment to business excellence was well-known, having represented Meon on many trade bodies and associations.
He was also a man of great personal integrity and in 1999, when Meon Travel was sold to First Choice and the day-to-day management of the business was transferred, one of Stefan’s primary concerns was to protect the future welfare of all his employees and long-standing business associates. His network of personal contacts and friendships around the world was very important to him and they in turn will, surely, miss him.”
Stefan leaves a widow, Jean, two daughters – Catharine and Susan – and two sons – Mark and Greg – both of them executives with First Choice Holidays.
