ITTN’s Sharon Jordan attended an intimate event in Dublin’s Trinity City Hotel to bid a fond farewell to Sara Zimmerman – outgoing CEO of the Travel Department – and to extend a warm welcome to James Coughlan who has started as the newly appointed CEO of the company.
Mr Coughlan was previously the director of sales and business development at Abercrombie & Kent until June 2023 and has been working on consultancy projects in the intervening period.
He succeeds Sara Zimmerman, who will stay on as a shareholder and non-executive director.
Ms Zimmerman transformed the business during her 9-year tenure including the significant expansion of Travel Department’s long-haul tours, the introduction of river cruises and the launch of TD Active Holidays, Ireland’s only soft adventure holiday specialist.
Ms Zimmerman also led the business through digital transformation utilising best-in-class technologies to bring leading edge solutions to the company.
As CEO, James Coughlan will be charged with delivering ambitious growth plans for the business as the market for escorted touring continues to grow in all regions.
Deirdre Burns, Travel Department’s Chair, said: “James’ knowledge of the UK market and his experience in driving growth and leading teams with a high service culture, made him the perfect fit to take Travel Department through to the next phase of its development. I want to thank Sara for her outstanding leadership of the business over the last nine years, including transitioning into private equity ownership and steering the company through the challenges of the global pandemic.”
Ms Zimmerman said: “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the Travel Department team over the last nine years. I couldn’t have asked for a more dedicated team, more loyal customers and a more supportive board and I’m extremely proud of everything we have achieved together. I’m also delighted to be handing over the reins to a very experienced, energetic leader who will no doubt take the business to the next level.”
Mr Coughlan said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Travel Department and look forward to building on the phenomenal achievements of Sara and the team and working with them and the board to deliver the next chapter of growth for the business.”
