Hays Travel appoints Lisa McAuley to executive board

Hays Travel has appointed Lisa McAuley to its executive board as director of strategy.

Former Gold Medal managing director McAuley has been working with Hays as a non-executive director for the past 19 months.

Dame Irene Hays, the agency’s chair, said: “We value Lisa’s support, guidance and considerable experience and I am confident she will be an excellent addition to our executive team.”

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In her new role, McAuley, who acquired travel publisher Silver Travel Advisor in 2020, will drive strategic initiatives and take responsibility for a range of teams – communications, events, tour operation, marketing and product.

She said the move feels like “the most natural next step”, adding: “I have been working closely with the Hays Travel board for some time now and it has been a really rewarding experience.

“I worked with the board behind the scenes to deliver several key projects – during some turbulent times – and they are a fantastic group to work with. I am honoured to have been asked to join them permanently.

“There are lots of plans in the pipeline and a few on the horizon which I’m looking forward to helping deliver, working alongside some brilliant colleagues from across Hays Travel.”

During McAuley’s 37-year travel career, she has worked in retail, cruise, touring and ski.

As dnata’s managing director of B2B tour operations, she was responsible for Gold Medal, Pure Luxury, Cruise Plus and Incredible Journeys.