Premier Holidays hires former retail manager to boost trade support in the south

Premier Holidays has expanded its sales team by appointing Kayleigh Starkey as business development manager for the south.

Starkey has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry, including ten years in retail. She joins the tour operator from Sunlounger Travel Group, where she was most recently a branch manager.

In his new role, Starkey will work with travel agents throughout the southern region, maintaining existing partnerships, establishing new relationships and assisting agents with sales and training initiatives.

Head of Trade Sales Dom Carrick said: “Her extensive retail travel experience and strong commercial background make her a fantastic addition to our Trade Sales team.

“She understands first-hand what agents need from their vendor partners, and her passion for building genuine, long-lasting relationships really resonated with us.”

Managing director Nicky Waters added: “Our trade partners are at the heart of what we do and it’s important to have someone who understands their world and can support them from a commercial perspective. We’re thrilled Kayleigh is joining us.”

Starkey said: “Having worked in the retail travel industry for many years, I understand how important strong relationships with suppliers are for agents.

“I look forward to meeting our channel partners, understanding their businesses and working together to identify opportunities for sales growth.”