General Manager, UK/Ireland at Virtuoso
An experienced travel industry professional with an established career of almost 20 years’ working across various fields of the travel and tourism sector. Holds a sound understanding of tourism systems, and strong people management skills, with experience in leading national and international teams to deliver strategic goals.
Following a successful career within Lloyds Bank, a 2-year travel sabbatical, led to a career switch, starting with specialist tour operator Austravel, starting as a Travel Advisor before progressing to become the General Manager. A move to New Zealand followed, taking leadership of AOT/ATS Pacific, the largest Inbound Operator in the region, again taking the brand through restructure, stabilization and strategic growth.
Having returned to the UK in early 2021, Karen was initially appointed as the General Manager for the EMEA region with Virtuoso, the leading global network of luxury Travel Advisors and preferred partners, to establish the business from a regional perspective, elevating the brand awareness and to form a team within region to support strategic growth.
As the region has evolved successfully, the UK/Ireland and European segments of the business have been established as separate entities, with Karen and her team guiding the UK/Ireland business forward.