Richard Smith has joined online private jet booking service, PrivateFly.com in the newly-created role of business development manager.
It comes after Alex Nott’s appointment as website manager in July, and continues PrivateFly’s UK team expansion.
The firm completed its successful first round of investment funding earlier this year.
Smith has previously worked at lastminute.com and, most recently, as business development manager at Priority Travel Group.
A key responsibility for him at PrivateFly will be to focus on trade partnerships in both the corporate and leisure sectors.
Smith said: “Private jet travel is often perceived by the travel industry as too complicated and lacking in online functionality, but PrivateFly is changing that, and I think 2011 will be an exciting year for the industry.”
The company is also seeking a new chairman, following current chair David Scowsill’s appointment as president and CEO of the WTTC.
Scowsill will continue as chairman until a replacement is found and will remain thereafter as an advisor to the board.
By Bev Fearis
