Ailsa Pollard to replace John Bevan at Gold Medal parent dnata

Dnata Ailsa Pollard
By Linsey McNeill
09/08/2021
Home » Ailsa Pollard to replace John Bevan at Gold Medal parent dnata

Gold Medal and Travel Republic parent dnata Travel Group has appointed Ailsa Pollard as its UK & Europe CEO.

Starting on 1 November, she will report to former CEO John Bevan, who now oversees all aspects of dnata’s global travel business as Divisional Senior Vice President for Travel.

Ms Pollard will assume responsibility for all of dnata UK-based travel brands, including Gold Medal, Travel Republic, Travelbag, Netflights and Sunmaster, leading a team of almost 800 people.

She has already held a number of senior roles within dnata, which is part of the Emirates Group, including Vice President -Business Development and Strategy, heading the team that oversaw the acquisition of many of the businesses that now form the group’s UK portfolio.

During her 12 years at dnata she also spent four years as Senior Vice President – Emirates Holidays, in which she oversaw the brand’s global operations across 36 markets.

Most recently, as Senior Vice President – Transformation (Global) & Consumer, Businesses (ME&I), she had responsibility for the dnata Travel consumer travel brand in the UAE.

Commenting on her appointment, John Bevan said: “We’re delighted that another part of the dnata Travel family will now be able to benefit from Ailsa’s expertise and leadership.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with her for anumber of years and know our team in the UK – as well as our valued industry partners – willenjoy working with her and will go on, together, to achieve great things.

“These are challenging times for all UK travel businesses, and need clear headedness, agility, honesty and commitment to navigate. Ailsa has all of those qualities, as well as decisive strategic vision, a passion for the customer and operational know-how. Our UK organisation couldn’t be in safer hands.”

Ms Pollard said: “I’m looking forward to working with the UK team to emerge stronger from the pandemic. I know how tough the last 18 months have been on our people, our brands, our customers and our partners, but we have very strong foundations and the support of a global business on which we can collectively build an exciting future.”

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