Inghams parent Hotelplan appoints former Tui tech chief as IT director

Craig Randell, former IT head for Tui in the UK and northern Europe, takes newly created role at the specialist tour operator

Inghams parent Hotelplan UK has brought in former Tui technology boss Craig Randell to take the newly created position of group IT director. 

Randell, who previously headed up IT for Tui in the UK and northern Europe, will oversee Hotelplan’s five travel brands: Inghams, Explore, Santa’s Lapland, Inntravel and Esprit.

With 25 years’ experience in the sector, Hotelplan said Randell’s appointment marks “a clear focus on digital progression and product development”.

The operator added he “brings significant strategic delivery experience to the role, which will be crucial as the brands work on further synergies as well as various digital transformation projects”.

Randell said: “I’m excited to get into Hotelplan, and work across such an exciting collection of diverse travel brands. 

“Helping businesses to drive forward their vision for digitalisation and effective use of automation is my passion, and I can’t wait to work with the teams at Inghams, Explore, Santa’s Lapland, Inntravel and Esprit to bring about more dynamic, and integrated, systems”.  

Randell’s key priorities will include ensuring Hotelplan’s sales are supported by a digital platform that allows the businesses to grow “in an agile and cloud-based environment, while building the teams’ capability”. 

Joe Ponte, Hotelplan UK’s chief executive said: “We are delighted to welcome Craig Randell to the role of director of IT, and to the Board. 

“His enormous wealth of experience will be a huge asset to the group as we plan to make big strides forward in digital transformation right across the business, and impacting all of our brands.”