Wendy Wu Tours has announced that its regional managing director, Andrew Mulholland, will depart at the end of the month as part of a global restructure.

Mulholland only rejoined the company in March this year, within a week of international borders closing, which saw his role pivot from driving growth to urgently and safely coordinating the repatriation of more than 1,400 customers back home to Australia.

Since rejoining the business, Mulholland has led the team through a significant process of business improvements, implementing a new website and integrated CRM solution, and other technological improvements.

He has also resized the business to better meet the challenges of the global pandemic.

Wendy Wu Tours founder Wendy Wu thanked Mulholland for his strong leadership and people management skills that she said have led the business through one of its toughest phases.

“Andrew is one of the best communicators and operational leaders I have encountered,” Wu said.

“Despite the challenges of this year, he has been instrumental in ensuring the Australian business is well-placed to access opportunities that will present in 2021.

“We thank Andrew for his strong leadership and wish him all the best and will follow his next steps with great interest.”

Commenting on his departure, Mulholland said this year has taught him a lot.

“Although I have enjoyed most parts of the 2020 challenge, I’ve had to make some incredibly tough decisions which have had impacts on our Wu crew,” he said.

“I am confident these decisions ensure WWT remain strong in the Australian market for many years to come.

“I, along with all my travel colleagues, yearn for a return to open borders, enthusiastic [and] carefree travellers, and the rebuilding of this great industry that has given me so much.

“Travel, managed by professionals, efficiently servicing customers’ online, and offline, needs will prevail. As we are all doing within this great industry, we are adapting to the circumstances and moving forward. I wish the team all the best.”

As part of the global restructure, Wendy Wu Tours’ commercial director, Lauren Wardle, has been appointed to the newly created role of country manager for Australia, reporting to Glen Mintrim (UK-based), who will take on the role of global CEO.

UK-based global sales director John Warr will support the wholesaler’s local sales initiatives.