Simon Bernardi will leave his position as Jetset Travelworld Group (JTG) general manager wholesale after just 15 months in the role with his replacement already "in place", it has been revealed.
JTG chief executive Peter Lacaze released a statement this morning advising of Bernardi's departure and a subsequent restructure, effective immediately, that sees the wholesale division split into three arms reporting to Lacaze.
"Simon Bernardi has decided to leave the company but has generously agreed to work closely with all of us to achieve a smooth transition," the statement said.
Formerly chief executive of inbound operator Tour East Australia, Bernardi joined the group in September 2010 to oversee its wholesale operations following the merger of Stella and Jetset Travelworld group.
Lacaze told Travel Today that he did not know what Bernardi's next move would be, but implied that the transition would be amicable.
Michael Londregan, formerly president of JTG's US arm Stella Travel Services USA, will relocate from Los Angeles to Australia to take on responsibility for FIT wholesale businesses Qantas Holidays, VIVA!, Harvey's Choice, Wholesale Australia, USA and global product purchasing.
"Michael Londregan is in place today, but we will now have a changeover over a period of time to make sure operations run smoothly," Lacaze told Travel Today.
Travel Indochina managing director Paul Hole and ATS Pacific managing director Col Hughes who formerly reported to Bernardi, will now report directly to Lacaze.
Long-standing chief financial officer of STS USA Gary Goeldner will move into the presidential role in an acting capacity until a replacement is found, Lacaze said.
