Ailsa Pollard has been named CEO of dnata Travel Group in the United Kingdom and Europe. She will begin her new job in November.

Pollard will report to John Bevan, who now serves as dnata’s divisional senior vice president for travel and supervises all areas of the company’s worldwide travel operation.

“We’re delighted that another part of the dnata family will now be able to benefit from Ailsa’s expertise and leadership,” Bevan said of the appointment.

“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.”

Bevan adds that Ailsa possesses all of these characteristics, as well as a clear strategic vision, a passion for the customer and operational expertise. The UK organisation is in the best possible hands.

Pollard will be in charge of all UK-based dnata Travel Group brands, including Gold Medal, Travel Republic, Travelbag, Netflights, and Sunmaster.

She will be in charge of a leadership team and a workforce of about 800 individuals.

“I’m looking forward to working with the UK team to emerge stronger from the pandemic,” Pollard added.

“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.”

– India’s new age travel digital media