Andy Freeth has been appointed new CEO of Classic Collection Holidays, the parent company of trade-friendly brands Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays.
He was previously Group Chief Executive of domestic operator JG Travel Group, until stepping down suddenly in September.
Classic Collection’s current CEO Oliver Garner decided ‘some time ago’ to leave the operator to seek new challenges, according to the company. He will leave at the end of this week.
Simon Cooper, CEO of Classic’s parent company On the Beach, said: “Andy has a huge amount of experience in tour operating and in leading B2B travel businesses through fast-paced growth.
“Andy is an experienced CEO who is excited to be coming on board following 2022’s record growth and is keen to support Classic’s ambitious future growth plans.”
Prior to joining JG Travel, Andy led the luxury long-haul operator If Only. ”Andy’s experience in the long haul and luxury space will help us to continue this upward trajectory,” added Simon.
Andy said: “I’m very excited to get back into a sector of travel I love. The team at Classic have a great reputation, and I look forward to working with them in identifying new products to take to market.”
On the Beach said it has seen ‘substantial growth’ in long-haul and five-star holidays, boosting its full-year sales 16% ahead of 2019. B2B sales were 45% ahead of 2019, while long-haul sales were 257% up.
Simon Cooper added: “The Board would like to thank Oliver for his time with us. Oliver has been a fantastic member of the leadership team at OTB for eight years and an inspirational leader of Classic Collection Holidays since its acquisition in 2018.
“It has been a pleasure working with Oliver and we wish him all the best for the future.”
