Ailsa Pollard has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, dnata Travel Group (UK & Europe). She will start in her new role on 1st November 2021, and report in to the previous holder of the role, John Bevan, who now oversees all aspects of dnata’s global travel business as Divisional Senior Vice President for Travel.
Ailsa will assume responsibility for all of dnata Travel GroupÂ’s UK-based brands (Gold Medal, Travel Republic, Travelbag, Netflights and Sunmaster) as the head of a leadership team and workforce numbering nearly 800 people.
As a key member of the leadership team for dnata Travel Group, part of the Emirates Group, during the last 12 years, sheÂ’s held a variety of senior roles. These include, Vice President – Business Development and Strategy, heading the team that oversaw the acquisition of and holding board positions on many of the businesses that now form the GroupÂ’s UK portfolio; and four years as Senior Vice President – Emirates Holidays, in which she oversaw the brandÂ’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, and overseeing a complete strategic review and transformation of dnata Travel GroupÂ’s global portfolio of brands through COVID, driving operational efficiencies and strategic clarity to support the delivery of its post-pandemic vision of ‘reconnecting a better worldÂ’.
Commenting on her appointment, John Bevan, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Travel, 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 a number of years and know our team in the UK – as well as our valued industry partners – will enjoy 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.”
Ailsa 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.”
About dnata Travel Group:
The dnata Travel Group represents the travel division of dnata, one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. Part of The Emirates Group, the group’s history is rooted in Dubai and the growth of its pioneering travel industry, evolving to consist of more than 30 leading international travel brands with coverage across the world. The dnata Travel Group is proud to serve its global customers as a leading, award-winning travel services provider with long-standing travel expertise, a wide range of products and services, and high standards of service and safety across all of its operations. Its global businesses cover all aspects of the travel industry from local travel agencies, to global travel consolidators, corporate travel, sports travel, destination management and attractions, airline representation services, and more.