Former Amadeus director Maria Whiteman appointed Saga Holidays MD

Saga Travel has appointed Maria Whiteman in the newly-created role of managing director of Saga Holidays.

Saga Travel has appointed Maria Whiteman in the newly-created role of managing director of Saga Holidays.

Whiteman joins on September 7, reporting directly into Jeannette Linfoot, managing director of Saga’s tour operating divisions, including Saga, Titan and Destinology.

The appointment follows the appointment of Mal Barritt as managing director of Destinology and Andy Squirrell, recently promoted to managing director of Titan Travel.

Whiteman is well-known in the industry, having held senior roles at Amadeus, Travel 2, Airmiles and Hayes & Jarvis. Earlier in her travel career she also worked as a resort rep.

Linfoot, managing director of Saga’s tour operating divisions, said the appointment completed the leadership team. “This is a really exciting time for Saga. We have ambitious plans for growth and I am delighted that Maria has agreed to join us on this journey.”

She added: “I am confident that alongside the expertise of the existing management team we are in a strong position to build on the progress we have already achieved in our travel businesses. Our recently announced full year results put us on track to double the size of Saga Travel within five years.”

Whiteman said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Saga Travel. I was surprised to hear that over 50s now account for more than 58% of travel spending in the UK so I’m confident that great opportunities lie ahead.”