ITC management shake-up sees Lisa Smith made MD of luxury brands

ITC has announced a management restructure which groups together its luxury brands under Lisa Smith in the newly created role of managing director.

The move brings ITC’s three luxury brands – Inspiring Travel, Private Clients and Spectate – under one management team.

Smith, who joined the company in 2020 as chief operating office and more recently has worked as MD of Inspiring Travel, will oversee all three brands as MD.

As part of the shake up, Judie Hinkson, who has been with the company for more than 30 years, has moved into the role of chief operating officer for ITC.

Her previous title was managing director of specialist businesses, which included Private Clients, Spectate and Elite Travel Concierge.

In addition, Paul Smith has joined the company as chief financial officer with a focus on driving commercial growth and customer volumes. Previously he worked as dnata Travel Group, where he was finance director B2B Europe between 2013 and 2018.

Di Selby’s role has also expanded to include both the trade and business teams under the new title of business partnership director.

Inspiring Travel head of sales Kathryn Robinson becomes the new head of sales and services for ITC while Natalie Russell-Blackburn Perkins, who has been with the company for 15 years, takes the newly created role of head of business development and client partnerships. Her previous title was head of private clients.

Chief executive Phil Aird-Mash said the restructure came as the group planned “ambitious growth” and marked 50 years of trading.

He said: “This review of our structure to bring the luxury brands of ITC together is an exciting and pivotal time.

“After a complex and strategic process, our direction is now laser-focussed and we have an incredibly passionate and knowledgeable team taking us forward. In a complex business, it means a great deal to have our people in their areas of strength.”

He added: “As we celebrate 50 years of business, we have ambitious growth plans. Our team will be working closely with key suppliers and trade partners to ensure we can deliver truly personalised and exceptional products, experiences and services to ITC travel group clients.”

ITC first took customers to the Caribbean in 1974 and is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary with new dedicated agent developments, special events and global fam trips for more than 50 agents.

It has also created An Around the World compilation of 50 Experiences for 50 Years to showcase the variety of product and experiences on offer through its brands, which also include responsible tourism specialist Rainbow and bespoke tailormade tours operator Regent.