Former JG Travel Group boss Andy Freeth has been appointed chief executive of Classic Collection Holidays, the parent of trade brands Classic Collection and Classic Package Holidays.

He replaces Oliver Garner, who leaves at the end of this week to “seek a new challenge” and has been credited with being an “inspirational leader” of Classic Collection Holidays since its acquisition in 2018.

Freeth stepped down from his role as chief executive of JG Travel Group, parent company of National Holidays, Just Go! Holidays, Omega Breaks and Albion Journeys and Omega Breaks, in September. He had been at the domestic operator since January 2021.

Freeth previously headed up tour operators If Only and Gold Medal/Travel 2 and was sales director of the Global Travel Group among other roles. 

Simon Cooper, chief executive of Classic Collection Holidays’ parent company On The Beach, said: “Andy has a huge amount of experience in tour operating and in leading B2B travel businesses through fast-paced growth. He is an experienced chief executive who is excited to be coming on board following 2022’s record growth and is keen to support Classic’s ambitious future growth plans.”

Cooper added: “Andy’s experience in the long haul and luxury space will help us to continue this upward trajectory.”

Speaking about his new role, Freeth said: “I’m very excited to get back into a sector of travel I love. The team at Classic have a great reputation, and I look forward to working with them in identifying new products to take to market.”

The news of his appointment follows the launch of new logos as part of a brand refresh by Collection Collection Holidays.

Following the successful delivery of this rebrand and after spending the last four years leading the Classic business and eight years with On the Beach Group in total, Classic’s chief executive Oliver Garner is to leave the business. He has worked closely with the leadership team at On the Beach to ensure the transition of leadership at Classic will be ‘seamless’.

Prior to his time at Classic, Garner had been a member of the group’s executive since 2014 and as well as overseeing international expansion he was instrumental in the acquisition and integration of sunshine.co.uk.

Speaking of Garner’s departure, Cooper said: “The Board would like to thank Oliver for his time with us. Oliver has been a fantastic member of the leadership team at OTB for eight years and an inspirational leader of Classic Collection Holidays since its acquisition in 2018. It has been a pleasure working with Oliver and we wish him all the best for the future.”