A renowned operations director, Helen gained her exceptional experience across retail, people, and customer service in blue-chip organisations including Boots, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Marks & Spencer – where she was Retail Director until stepping down in September to focus on her non-executive work.
Helen said of her appointment: “I am delighted to be joining Hays Travel at what is a pivotal and exciting time as the business continues to grow in size and reputation. I booked my first holiday at the Seaham branch of Hays Travel, where it all started and where I grew up. As a business with such a strong culture and values I am really impressed with how colleagues are truly empowered to deliver for their customers and communities.”
Dame Irene Hays said: “We could not be happier that Helen is joining our board as a non-executive director, bringing with her unparalleled experience across retail, people, and transformation. She shares our values, and – just like Hays Travel – was born in Seaham right here in the North East of England. We have had an exceptional year and seen our retail operation flourish and expand, making now the right time for us to seek advice and challenge. Helen is the perfect fit for Hays Travel and we are looking forward to working with her in the new year.”
Helen recently attended Hays Travel’s retail conference in Portugal, where hundreds of branch managers from across the UK came together to be informed and inspired, she added: “What I witnessed at conference was Hays Travel’s clear focus on developing talent and allowing people to bring their whole self to work. It is no surprise that their workforce is so engaged, and as we know – happy colleagues means happy customers! I am really looking forward to working with Dame Irene and the Hays Travel Board – bringing what I have learned during my extensive career in retail to offer my support, advice, and challenge as the business continues to grow and develop.”
2023 has been a year of positive growth for Hays Travel. Already the UK’s largest independent travel agent, the group acquired 45 retail branches when it acquired Just Go in September, and a further 16 with the acquisition of Travel House, announced in December. In the same month, Hays Travel’s latest branch was seen for the first time on the cobbles of Weatherfield by viewers of Coronation Street.
