Managing director of Travel Concepts and The Cruise Centre, Mel Haycock, has sold his share of the business. After more than 12 years at the helm of the company, Haycock handed over the reins this week to partners David Brandon and Elizabeth Clarke, who become joint managing directors. Haycock, 67,...
Managing director of Travel
Concepts and The Cruise
Centre, Mel Haycock, has sold
his share of the business.
After more than 12 years at the helm of the
company, Haycock handed over the reins this
week to partners David Brandon and Elizabeth
Clarke, who become joint managing directors.
Haycock, 67, told CW he decided to sell his
remaining financial interest as part of his “exit
strategy” so he could start a new chapter as a
home-based consultant looking after special
interest group business, luxury cruises and
private clients.
“Without the day to day responsibility of
managing the business, it will allow me the
opportunity to become more hands-on with
my clients and projects,” he said.
Haycock counts his greatest achievement
as “finding and retaining wonderful staff who
have been like family to me”.
In recent years, the cruising division of
Travel Concepts, has become one of the major
focuses of the business.
“Our proudest moments have been achieving
number one Virtuoso agent in Australia for
both Silversea and Seabourn cruises and
number one worldwide for Orion Expedition
Cruises,” Haycock said.
“We were also fortunate last year to receive
the award of top producer in Australia and
New Zealand for the Virtuoso group – not bad
for a single location.”
ELSEWHERE, Alan Stuart plans to leave
Princess Cruises next week after less than a
year as commercial director.
The company’s head of sales, Brett Wendorf,
will cover the role until a replacement is found.
Stuart has not yet announced his next move,
but according to Carnival Australia chief Ann
Sherry, he tendered his resignation “after
considerable personal reflection”.
Stuart has more than 20 years’ experience in
the tourism and transport industry including
management positions with Skywest Airlines,
Qantas and Great Southern Rail.
His last day at Princess Cruises will be 11 Jul.
