‘New chapter’ heralded for Albatross Travel as former CEO sells his share. Jessamy Chapman reports
After 22 years at Albatross Travel, former CEO Sean Taggart has sold his shareholding to business partner and Chief Executive Steve Hornby and Chief Financial Officer Adam Handy.
Mr Taggart says: “Since joining Sally and Manfred Thelen back in 1995 I have been incredibly proud to see Albatross grow into one of the UK’s leading independent holiday companies, but now it is time to formally hand over control to Steve and Adam who, supported by Denise Bridges, Managing Director and Emma Pennycard, People Director, will be great custodians of this wonderful business.
“The senior management team has some impressive plans for the future and I look forward to following development of the business and assisting them where I can.”
Mr Taggart is leaving the business to pursue other interests, focusing on his passion for leadership and management. Although he will no longer have any operational involvement in the business, he will continue to offer support as a non-executive director and continue to represent Albatross on the board of ETOA.
The transaction was funded by Lloyds Bank, led by Relationship Director Graham Hollis, who says: “Despite the ever-challenging trading environment, Albatross has consistently performed.”
A statement from Mr Hornby and Mr Handy says: “Sean has been a tremendous business leader and has been instrumental in taking this business to where it is today. It is a testament to the strength and diversity of the Group that Lloyds Bank were so keen to assist us with this next phase of the Albatross journey, and we now just can’t wait to begin the next chapter.”
