Direct Travel restructured its leisure division to “accelerate sales growth and establish a strong data foundation for next-generation technology,” effective Oct. 1,” said the company, whose agency network includes over 900 North American travel advisors.
“The host services division, led by Joelle Goldman, vice president, host services and luxury hotel program, will continue to provide dedicated resources for independent advisors, ensuring faster access to expertise, stronger day-to-day support, and clearer paths to growth,” said Direct Travel, which also serves as a leading corporate management company.
Julie Skinner, senior vice president of leisure sales, is responsible for the agency’s roster of agents throughout North America. “By unifying retail under one vision, she and her management team will deliver consistent sales support, training and client engagement strategies that help advisors strengthen relationships and capture new opportunities,” Direct Travel said.
Vivienne Kouba, senior vice president of leisure operations, is guiding a combined operations team that supports the company’s retail and host services advisors. “This alignment will streamline workflows, standardize service levels, and improve turnaround times – enabling advisors to focus more time on clients while leveraging a stronger operational infrastructure,” the company said.
Rene Schneeberger, senior vice president groups & revenue optimization, is partnering with Gerard Bellino, president, leisure travel, “to expand the leisure organization based on the recent acquisition of ATPI by Direct Travel and optimize supplier contracts,” Direct Travel said..
Meanwhile, Rebecca Adams, who was named vice president, data strategy & insights, leisure travel. “She will unify data sources, define enterprise standards, and deliver analytics that fuel smarter tools and more efficient workflows,” the company said.
Stephen Smith was appointed executive vice president, leisure travel, and is taking on an expanded role that includes overseeing partnerships, strategy & marketing, and driving leisure technology innovation,” Direct Travel said.
“By bringing clarity and consistency to our data, we’re laying the foundation for technology that empowers advisors in their everyday business and helps them achieve even greater success,” Bellino said.
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