Ryanair deal given as reason for Andy Freeth’s departure from Classic Collection

Andy Freeth leaves Classic Collection
By Linsey McNeill
11/03/2024
Home » Ryanair deal given as reason for Andy Freeth’s departure from Classic Collection

Classic Collection CEO Andy Freeth is leaving the company following a management restructure.

Product and Commercial Director Alex Galvada is also leaving while Si Morris-Green has taken up the role of Director B2B.

In a statement, Classic said Si, who has been Director of Agency Sales and Marketing for the past three years, ‘will lead the business through our next chapter of growth’.

It said the restructure followed a new deal between its parent company On the Beach and Ryanair.

The deal means that On the Beach will be able to access Ryanair’s flights to put together ATOL-protected packages.

However, the agreement doesn’t cover packages sold by Classic Package Holidays via travel agents. 

The company said: “Following the announcement on February 27 about On the Beach partnership with Ryanair and the fact that the agreement won’t currently cover bookings in B2B packages via Classic Packages Holidays, we have taken the decision to restructure the leadership of Classic Collection. 

“Andy Freeth and Alex Galvada will both be leaving the business.”

It added: “We remain committed to growing the business and supporting the trade with the service and product that we have a reputation for delivering and that they have come to respect.”

It declined to comment further on why the Ryanair deal with On the Beach necessitated a restructure of its B2B leadership team.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy for being part of the On the Beach journey and we wish him all the very best for the future,” it added in a separate statement regarding Andy’s departure.

Andy said: “I have really enjoyed my time with Classic Collection and On the Beach group. Whilst sad to leave I am equally excited to see what opportunities present themselves for the next chapter of my career.”

Andy was appointed CEO of Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays in November 2022 after leaving JG Travel Group, where he was also CEO.

He was previously CEO of the luxury operator If Only, and prior to that he was MD of Travel 2 and Gold Medal.

Andy told Travel Gossip he is expecting to remain in the travel industry, where he started his career as an overseas holiday rep with Airtours in 1998.

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