Very sad to say goodbye to our British Airways Holidays MD, Claire Bentley, after her 24 years at the helm - now time for a very well-deserved holiday. We're very excited that Andrew Flintham will join us in continuing to take the business to new heights. Here's to an exciting 2025 for BA Holidays and IAG Loyalty ✨
After the privilege of leading British Airways Holidays for 24 years I have decided to retire. I am delighted to confirm I will be succeeded by Andrew Flintham, currently UK&I Managing Director at TUI. Some time ago I decided I wanted to retire, but Covid and the recent change in Holidays ownership resulted in me deferring leaving until now. It’s been a difficult decision, as BA Holidays has been my passion, but I need to adjust my priorities, take more time and look after myself. (I also plan to practice what we preach to our customers….taking lots more BA Holidays, and as our latest campaign attests, taking them very seriously indeed!) This being something that has been planned for a while enabled an exhaustive recruitment process and in appointing Andrew, Adam Daniels and IAG Loyalty have secured a true pioneer in the holiday industry, from one of the UK’s most respected and successful tour operators. In his role he leads 5,000 colleagues, and last year TUI took 6 million customers on holiday. Earlier in his career he spent six years at BA in finance roles, and subsequently also worked for First Choice Holidays. I am so proud to have been part of a great team that has delivered such incredible results – transforming our business to drive huge growth without losing focus on a strong customer experience, collaborative partnership approach and maintaining the positive people culture that makes British Airways Holidays so special. I am in no doubt however that Andrew will bring a new and exciting perspective, from his broad and comprehensive industry experience, which alongside the continued passion of the Holidays team will ensure the business continues to flourish, to reach even greater heights over the years to come. Andrew will be joining us on the 28th October and we will have a handover period before I leave on the 15th November. When I head off in to the sunset I may share more ‘thank yous’!, but for now, thank you to all our partners, who have been with us on such an incredible and successful journey, and of course the amazing British Airways Holidays team, who I am in no doubt are the best in the industry. Thank you especially to Colm Lacy for his unstinting support over so many years, along with the entire British Airways team, and Adam for his counsel over recent months. Finally, to the British Airways Holidays Leadership Team of Catherine Onions, Duncan Roberts, John Price, Jonathan Smart, Matt Armstrong, Melanie Watts, Sarah Gray and Susie Bovis – thank you for your ever-present support, commitment, resilience, overwhelming fabulousness! and most importantly good humour, that has made the tricky days ok, and the good days unbeatable!