Octopus signs Freeserve

OctopusTravel.com has poached an Opodo executive to head its business development strategy in the EMEA region, in addition to signing three new deals. Soren Langelund, formerly head of business development at Opodo Europe, has also held senior positions at American Express and RCI Europe. Commenting on the appointment, international managing director, Daniela Wagner said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to secure Soren’s services. He has an outstanding reputation in the industry, an extensive network of high-level contacts and tremendous experience that I am sure will enable him to add value to our business in many ways.” Mr Langelund joins the online accommodation and sightseeing just as it has signed deals with three more online outlets. The first is Freeserve, which will feature Octopus’ accommodation product exclusively on the Freeserve Travel Channel according to Octopus. The other two deals are with the Lisbon-based Air Luxor and Baden-Baden based travel agent, L’TUR, which specialises in lastminute trips. Octopus also provides online accommodation and sightseeing content to Air France, Eurostar, easyJet, Ryanair and American Express, among others. Report by Ginny McGrath