Travel Republic managing dircetor Kane Pirie has been elected to the board of directors at ABTA.
ABTA chairman John McEwan said: “Kane is an outstanding addition to a strong board. Online travel agents, such as Travel Republic, have become a very significant part of travel retailing, and Kane has been at the forefront of that sector’s development.
“He has deep understanding of the issues that the industry now faces in respect of consumer protection, and his broad commercial experience will be invaluable as ABTA charts a way forward for its members"
Pirie might be seen as a controversial choice by some after his fracas with the Civil Aviation Authority last year when Travel Republic was accused of breaching ATOL regulations. Pirie and his company were later cleared of charges.
Pirie joined the online travel agency in 2005, before which he worked in private equity and corporate financing.
Said Kane: “These are exciting times in travel with a lot in play but that also creates an opportunity for ABTA to step forward as the leading light and agent of change. I am very pleased to join the Board and hope I can be of service to ABTA and its broad community of members."
by Dinah Hatch
