Travel industry stalwart Peter Lacaze is to step down as chief executive of Jetset Travelworld in August, with former Qantas executive Rob Gurney to take up the role.
The company announced Lacaze's retirement to the ASX today. It described Lacaze as “instrumental” in the restructuring and rebuilding of Stella Travel Services and its subsequent $440 million merger with Jetset Travelworld in 2010.
Former Qantas Airlines group executive commercial and freight, Rob Gurney, will step into the role, following his departure from the airline in May, when it restructured into international and domestic operations.
Lacaze, who turns 57 this year, told Travel Today he was happy with what he had achieved during his time at the company and felt it was a “convenient time” to pass the role on.
He said he was “really pleased to pass the baton” to Gurney.
“He and I have been friends and business partners for many years and I am confident that he will lead the company successfully,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gurney thanked Lacaze for his support and advice, adding he was “delighted and honoured” to have the opportunity to lead JTG.
“It is a wonderful organisation and we have a very exciting future ahead,” he said.
Lacaze will finish his full-time duties on August 27, but will remain available until the end of September to enable a “smooth transition”.
JTG chairman Tom Dery said: “the Board believes that Rob is the best person to take Jetset Travelworld forward in what is an increasingly fast-evolving and challenging environment.”
“I would like to offer my personal thanks to Peter for the exemplary way in which he led Stella Travel Services into the merger with Jetset Travelworld in 2010 and his subsequent leadership of the Jetset Travelworld Group,” he said.
