The Coach Tourism Association has appointed Andrew Guthrie in the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Guthrie, who has a long history in the tourism sector, took up the position on 20 April and will report to the board of directors, led by Chair Robert Shaw.
He began in the industry as UK Contracts Manager for Saga Holidays in the early 1980s following a degree in economics and politics.
He later worked in the management of Japanese inbound tourism while employed by Nippon Travel Agency and Trafalgar Tours.
Most recently, he was Director of Jactravel’s Groups Division and, until 2024, was a board member of UKInbound.
He says: “I’m very keen to use the background I have, working with coach operators and stakeholders in the sector, to support CTA’s existing and growing membership through the current challenges, and to help guide the membership to take advantage of the opportunities to come.”
CTA says a growing membership means it has had to strengthen its management structure.
He will be supported by Operations Director Isabelle Sanzelle, who is advising on the organisation’s strategy and managing on an ongoing basis.
Also continuing to be key to the structure will be Communications Director Helen Bowron, who is assisted in the media strategy by Alex Byles.
Mr Shaw says: “As the CTA membership grows and the organisation’s remit expands, Andrew will be responsible for implementing the infrastructure that will enable the organisation to respond to these new demands.
“CTA has an effective managerial team in place, and with Andrew’s experience and extensive industry connections supporting our capabilities, he will bring these advantages to the fore to support the organisation’s onward progression.”
