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McEwan spells out Advantage plans
The former boss of top multiple Lunn Poly is to head independent agents’ consortium Advantage Travel Centres.
John McEwan is to become managing director of the organisation on September 13, less than a year after leaving Lunn Poly parent company TUI UK as retail director.
He was previously managing director of Lunn Poly and held a number of senior roles at Thomas Cook including retail operations director and UK travel managing director. Mr McEwan started his career in the industry with Thomas Cook 40 years ago.
The appointment comes as Advantage seeks to move to a more commercial base and one of his priorities will be to inject new revenue streams.
Mr McEwan told TravelMole that he wanted to expand the 800-outlet Advantage network by attracting good quality independent agents.
He said he believed the independent sector was set for growth as multiples contract their retail presence.
Mr McEwan added: “Those independents who are good at what they are doing will continue to prosper. But they must be responsive to customer needs, whether that be through call centres, the web or the high street.”
And he dismissed suggestions that independent agents were a dying breed with the advent of new online travel distributors.
“Ever since I can remember people have been predicting the demise of the independent sector – what you have seen is the demise of people who have not been up to scratch,” said Mr McEwan.
“Having spent most of my career with multiple organisations I believe the issues are the same irrespective of whether you are an independent or a multiple.
“I don’t think independents have any need to be concerned, although the nature of their business may change.”
Advantage’s interim leader Geoff Blagg said: “We were looking for someone who understands both the retail and business travel sectors and recognises the potential for the independent agent. In John McEwan we have someone with a proven track record and a lifetime of commitment to the industry with knowledge and experience across all sectors.”
Report by Phil Davies
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