TravelMole Time Traveller: Matthew Pack of Holiday Extras
This week’s Time Traveller, sponsored by Harp Wallen, is Holiday Extras CEO Matthew Pack
What was your first job in travel?
My first job was technical project manager at online travel pioneer, Lastminute.com in 2001. Before this, I did a university placement at British Airways. British Airways was a great place to work and despite the company’s size, they were good innovators. I stood at the window of their building in Heathrow (The Compass Centre) back then and watched in awe as the Concorde launched into the night sky, afterburners glowing. The travel industry seemed to be exciting, fun, brimming with technological innovations and I wanted to be a part of it.
What was the high point of your career?
Am on a high right now. I’m surrounded by really talented people, all experts in their field, who all buy into the plan. It takes time to build a team and even more time to help them work well together, something I’m sure every football coach would agree with. It’s much easier to make your ideas happen with a super fired-up team who are behind you every step of the way.
What was the low point?
A volcano going off and covering the skies of the UK. Amazingly it had more impact on us than any war or terrorism plot ever had and it was a baptism of fire for me as the newly appointed CEO. Making decisions that were right for the customer but also protected the business were pretty tough. I don’t think any amount of preparation can compete with such acts of God.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
My parents and Holiday Extras’ Group CEO, Steve Lawrence. It’s a strange thing sometimes joining the family business. Steve has been an awesome mentor and he has backed me 100% from the off. My father has always been incredible with numbers (his mother was a maths teacher) but his secret weapon is common sense, amazing how even the smartest people I meet have none at all.
What would you be doing now if you weren’t in travel?
My passion is in technology. I love marketing and get a real kick out of creating something a customer just can’t do without. I’m intrigued by the concept of matching customers to the right products and making it really easy to buy.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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