Former Tui and Thomas Cook chief Will Waggott named chairman of Tourhub

Tours and adventure aggregator aims to scale up and become ‘major player’

Tour and adventure aggregator Tourhub has named Will Waggott as chairman on the UK-based firm’s board of directors.

Waggott brings to the role years of industry experience in senior positions, including chief executive of Travelopia, TUI’s specialist, touring and adventure arm, which he sold to investment management company KKR.

He has also worked as chief financial officer of TUI, tour operating chief of Thomas Cook, and presently serves as chairman of Sportsworld Group and a senior advisor at Alix Partners.

As Tourhub’s chairman, Waggott will work with founder directors Laurence Hicks and Rhodri Evans, chief executive Seamus Conlon, and the Tourhub team to develop the firm’s investments and strategic direction.

Conlon said: “Tourhub has reached a stage in its evolution where someone of Will’s calibre and experience can ensure the business focuses on scaling up its activity and continues on its journey to becoming a major player in the touring and adventure marketplace.

“He will play a key role in formulating Tourhub’s strategic direction and lead its investment strategy to support its rapid growth.”

Waggott said: “I’ve been impressed with how Tourhub has successfully evolved using innovative technology to drive and deliver growth in the touring and adventure space and firmly believe there is a great future for this business.”

According to Tourhub, the platform is predicted to generate over £5 million in sales this year and plans to soon add expedition and river cruises to its portfolio of more than 750 tour and adventure operators.

The brand targets travellers from the UK and North America but plans to launch in Australia next year.