Elegant Resorts has appointed Simon Jeffries as director of its new sports travel division. 

Jeffries, who was most recently head of product and commercial at Carrier for the past seven years, will oversee the new sports venture for Elegant Resorts. He will work closely with sister brand Destination Sport, also part of Portman Travel Group.

The brand said the move would offer new commercial opportunities for Elegant Resorts to “evolve the brand and create a new sports tour operator”.

Prior to his time at Carrier, Jeffries worked at Travel Counsellors for 11 years where he helped develop the in-house tour operator model. His career started at Cresta Holidays where he was contracts manager.

Speaking about his new role, Jeffries said: “I am genuinely thrilled to join Elegant Resorts and have this opportunity to build a new business unit across the wider Portman Travel Group. 

“The role combines my personal passion for sport and luxury travel, and I am excited to start working with colleagues across the group to deliver a market-leading luxury sports travel business.”

Elegant Resorts’ managing director Lisa Fitzell added: “I am delighted to welcome Simon to our team to drive this new venture. We see a real opportunity for Elegant Resorts to develop the best luxury sports travel company. 

"Thanks to Destination Sports, which is part of the Portman Travel Group like us, we already have access to the most exciting sports fixtures around the world and with Elegant Resorts, we are combining our expertise to deliver the very best luxury sports holidays. I wish Simon every success in his new role.”