Fred. Olsen Travel has announced that Paul Hardwick has been promoted to the newly-created position of Director of Retail.
Hardwick will take up the position on 1 April, and will have direct responsibility for the Franchise Department which includes all B2C businesses, shops, franchisees, licensees and homeworkers.
He will also continue with his current responsibilities and look at ways the business can be more efficient, both operationally and commercially.
Commenting on his promotion, Hardwick said: “As Director of Retail my two main focuses will be to align the different parts of the business so they can all work smarter and to outline what the next three years will look like so we have a plan to work towards.
“I also intend to continue to look for retail growth opportunities, in particular in East Sussex, recruit additional staff members where needed and to work with our franchisees to support profitable and collaborative growth in this area.”
Steve Williams, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Travel, adds: “Paul joined us 14 years ago as Assistant Manager at our Thorpe Travel branch and has successfully developed his career over his time with us to his current position of Head of Commercial.
“When Paul joined Fred. Olsen Travel we were operating 6 retail agencies and he has led our expansion to 17 agencies currently.
“He has developed his reputation within the industry and shown tremendous leadership ability, not least through the challenges of the pandemic, and I am confident that he will successfully take the transition to this challenging new role in his stride.”
Following the pandemic, the company said it underwent a strategy review of its business and decided to streamline the business down two channels alongside its successful Star Clipper sales agency – retail and tour operation.
This has resulted in the creation of two new operational director roles – Director of Retail and Director of Tour Operation.
Fred. Olsen Travel is currently in the process of recruiting for the Director of Tour Operation role and hopes to make an announcement soon.
For more information, visit fredholidays.co.
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