Global Travel Collection announces two leadership promotions

Global Travel Collection has promoted Jennifer Hartnett to general manager of Colletts Travel and Abhishek Shankar to director of partner relations and marketing for the UK.

Global Travel Collection said the leadership of Hartnett, who joined Colletts Travel as operations and contracts manager in 2020, had been “instrumental in securing an extensive portfolio of contracts”.

In her new role, she will oversee the agency’s financial and operational performance and focus on growing the brand within the luxury leisure sector.

“I am delighted to be stepping into this role and to continue building on Colletts Travel’s incredible legacy of providing bespoke luxury travel experiences, to the discerning traveller,” said Hartnett.

“I look forward to working with our talented travel advisors and partners to further strengthen our position in luxury travel.”

Shankar will lead partner relations in the UK with the aim of strengthening strategic alliances with preferred suppliers while driving engagement opportunities for Global Travel Collection’s independent travel advisor network.

He joined Internova Travel Group in 2018 as account manager for the hotel division, where he spearheaded the contracting of luxury hotels in the UK and EMEA for the in-house hotel programme.

Following the formation of Global Travel Collection he transitioned to an account manager role, and subsequently senior manager for partner relations and marketing, playing “a pivotal part in developing supplier relationships and delivering exceptional value to advisors and their clients”.

“I am excited to take on this expanded role and continue working with our incredible partners and advisors to deliver best-in-class solutions,” said Shankar.

“Global Travel Collection is uniquely positioned to connect luxury suppliers with an exceptional network of travel advisors, and I am honoured to contribute to the company’s growth and success.”

Global Travel Collection said Shankar would continue to play a “key role in aligning Global Travel Collection’s partner relations and marketing strategies in the UK”.

Francesca Mendola, UK vice-president at Global Travel Collection, said: “These are well-deserved promotions. Jennifer’s exceptional leadership and commitment to operational excellence have been instrumental in strengthening Colletts Travel and growing tour operations at the agency.

“Abhishek’s expertise in building strong partnerships and delivering innovative solutions has elevated our supplier relations and marketing strategies.

“Their combined talent and dedication continue to drive value to our independent travel advisor business, growth and success across Global Travel Collection. We are excited to see all they will accomplish in their new roles.”