Travel Counsellors chairman “enjoying retirement”

Travel Counsellors chairman “enjoying retirement”

Travel Counsellors is farewelling founder David Speakman, who is stepping down as chairman.

As per reports from Travel Weekly UK, Speakman, who lives in Spain, informed the company of his intentions two months ago and told the 1400 home-based agents in the company two weeks ago.

He told Travel Weekly he was “enjoying retirement”, while Speakman and his wife remain significant shareholders in the business, with a majority stake being sold last year to Equistone Partners.

Taking a back seat shouldn’t be too hard for Speakman either, with the day to day running of the business already in the hands of managing director Steve Byrne and his team.

According to Travel Weekly, Speakman has no plans to attend Travel Counsellors’ annual conference, which will draw in more than 800 agents, as well as suppliers and sponsors.

“This is just a natural progression, it’s not been sudden,” Speakman told TW UK.

“It’s not a big step because I’ve been taking a lot of little steps away from the business before.”

“What’s important is the DNA of the business, and that’s in safe hands. I think you have to give the management a clear way ahead. It’s the right time.”

In a statement Travel Counsellors confirmed there would be no other management changes, adding that Speakman still has the same investment in the company as when they announced the MBO without formal responsibility of the chairman role.

“The management team remains the same, under the continued leadership of managing director Steve Byrne,” the statement read.

Speakman also addressed agents in the statement, saying he felt blessed by his experiences.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in enabling us to create such a special company, and I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength,” he said.

“I wish everyone, the directors, staff and the whole family of Travel Counsellors continued success and happiness and I know the special company we have built together will continue to grow and change people’s lives for the better for many years to come.”

Image: TTG Digital

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