Travel Leaders Network President John Lovell is leaving his role at the end of June to assume a new leadership position with Virgin Voyages.
Lovell, who will join the cruise line as a board member and senior advisor, confirmed the move in an emailed letter to valued partners on Tuesday, announcing that Lindsay Pearlman will take over the reins.
“I want to share that I will be leaving Travel Leaders Network at the end of this month to take on an exciting new leadership opportunity with Virgin Voyages. This was not an easy decision. Travel Leaders Network has been my home for more than 20 years, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for the relationships we’ve built,” Lovell wrote.
“Since joining the company in 2002, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many of you in various roles. Most recently, as President of Travel Leaders Network, I’ve seen firsthand the power of strong partnerships. Together, we’ve grown Travel Leaders Network to nearly $20 billion in annual travel sales and helped shape a stronger, more resilient travel industry,” he added.
“Your collaboration was especially meaningful during the pandemic. Through uncertainty, your support helped us navigate challenges and lay the foundation for the momentum we’re seeing today.”
“Thank you for your partnership, trust and support over the years. It’s been an honor to work with each of you, and I look forward to seeing the great things we’ll continue to achieve, this time, from a new seat in the industry,” Lovell concluded.
Lovell will report to Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu and assist as a thought partner to the existing commercial and sales leadership team, the cruise line said.
Richard Branson and John Lovell at Travel Leaders EDGE Conference. (Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages)
“Landing a leader like John Lovell is a monumental, defining moment for Virgin Voyages,” Saverimuttu said in a statement. “When someone with his reputation, experience and a $20 billion portfolio chooses to join your team, it’s a powerful signal that you’re building something extraordinary. John’s leadership will help us scale our growth and deepen the relationships that have always been core to who we are, especially with our First Mate community.”
“Virgin Voyages is doing more than building a cruise line; they’re defining what the next era of cruise travel is going to entail,” said Lovell. “From their unwavering commitment to travel advisors to the way they’ve redefined the on-board experience, this brand leads with authenticity, innovation and heart. That’s rare. I’ve spent my career championing meaningful partnerships and helping advisors thrive, and I believe Virgin Voyages is the most exciting opportunity in cruise today. I’m honored to join a team that’s writing the future of this industry and doing it the right way.”
Lovell took over as President of Travel Leaders Network at the start of the year and has held leadership roles with Internova Travel Group, Vacation.com, ANC Rental Corporation and Renaissance Travel Solutions.
He’s also a CLIA Hall of Fame inductee and a beloved figure among the travel advisor community. His transition to Virgin Voyages comes at a time when the disruptive cruise brand is doing more and more to uplift advisors.
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