The APT Group has undergone a major restructure of its Australia.- based businesses including APT, Travelmarvel, Captain’s Choice and Botanica World Discoveries.
Changes were announced late last week and are designed to increase operational efficiencies Down Under and ensure brands are able to perform at the highest level.
Changes are coming to all APT’s Australian-bases businesses including Travelmarvel.
The company’s Managing Director, Chris Hall said the restructure also prepares the business for future growth, which will be achieved through rapid acceleration of the Travelmarvel brand.
“We are a collaborative business already. But by evolving the way in which we operate, our aim is to further accelerate our market leading positions in each of our segments.”
Chris Hall, APT Group Managing Director
“Together, our businesses will provide the travel trade with the best available product, services and experience. There will be nothing to rival what this portfolio of businesses can deliver.”
So what’s new at the APT Group?
1. Individual bosses
The restructure will see individual chief executives appointed to each brand.
David Cox, formerly General Manager Travelmarvel, has been appointed as APT CEO. This role is responsible for the APT brand and the overall financial performance of the products within the APT portfolio.
The Travelmarvel CEO role has been established and recruitment has begun for this role. Similar to the APT CEO, this role is responsible for the Travelmarvel brand and the overall performance of the products within the Travelmarvel portfolio.
Dan Kotzmann continues as CEO of Captain’s Choice, with Founder and Director Phil Asker working closely with him and Judy Vanrenen, Founder and Co-Owner of Botanica World Discoveries will continue to manage this business.
2. Shared service teams
Each of the four brands will be supported by the same shared service teams. The one team will manage sales and marketing, development and innovation, procurement, operations, human resources, finance, multi-market distribution and customer service.
3. New role – chief marketing officer
Most significant to travel industry partners is the promotion of Debra Fox to Chief Marketing Officer, a new role that will see her take on responsibility for all trade relationships globally as she heads up the sales, marketing and customer service teams worldwide.
She will continue to be supported by Susan Haberle in her role as Commercial Manager Retail, along with the resources of one of the largest and most experienced trade sales teams.
Justine Lally has also been appointed Head of Marketing Australia and New Zealand, while Nicole de Wilde continues as Vice President Sales and Marketing for North America, UK and European markets, reporting into Debra Fox.
4. Captain’s Choice moves
Captain’s Choice will be relocating from its current offices in Ringwood, Victoria, to join colleagues from the other three brands at the Melbourne head office.
5. A new name!
This one hasn’t changed just yet, but the company will create a new ‘family of brands’ name just for the four brands in Australia.
The new will be announced in the coming weeks.
Over the next two months, APT will host a nationwide series of consumer Expos to update your clients on the company’s new portfolio.