This afternoon Falcon Holidays announced that Helen Caron is to become Director of Ireland from January 2012 in succession to Head of Ireland Christine Donnelly, who has decided to leave the business “to explore new opportunities”.
A company statement said: “A founding director of Falcon Holidays since the business was established in 1988, Ms Donnelly has made an invaluable contribution to the company’s success in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over a period of almost 24 years.
“In her most recent role as Head of Ireland, which she undertook in May 2010, Christine played a significant role in ensuring business continuity and performance following changes to the company’s operating model on the island of Ireland.
“Now, with the business in a strong position, she has decided that it’s time to look to new horizons.
“As one of Falcon’s founding directors, I have watched the company grow from strength to strength and am grateful for the wonderful career it has given me and the opportunity to work in a brilliant industry with so many lovely people,” said Christine. “However, I have made a decision to leave the business now at a time when I’m able to do all of the other things in life that I want to.
“It has been a tremendous journey but I think the time is now right for me to embark on a new one. I will be remaining in the business for a number of months yet to ensure a smooth transition but, once my work here is done, I look forward to flying off to explore some more of the world and any new opportunities that may come my way.
“I love this industry with all my heart and I have thoroughly enjoyed my 24 years in Falcon. I am happy with the contribution I’ve been able to make towards the company’s success and I would like to thank all those who worked with me over the years for their support and dedication.
“I am pleased to announce that my successor Helen Caron will become the new Director of Ireland from January and I will assist her during a handover period.
“Helen will take over a strong, stable and well managed business with a very strong management team in Ireland. In people like Carol Anne O’Neill, Charlotte Brenner, Brendan Mallon, Charlene McMonagle, Patricia Collins, Ian MacArthur and Sinead Cregan, Helen will have the collective support, experience, determination and passion required to ensure continued success.
“I wish Helen the very best in her new role and, of course, continued success to all of the Falcon team that I leave behind.”
