In an exclusive,
TravelAge West has learned that Pleasant
Holidays is set to announce that Jack Richards will be named
president and CEO for the tour operator effective Aug. 1.
Richards brings more than 20 years of executive leadership and
management experience in travel wholesale operations and online
travel agency experience to Pleasant Holidays. Richards' experience
includes working as senior vice president of product marketing and
strategy at Hotels.com, and president and CEO of the Leisure
Company, which operated the America West Vacations brands. He was
also CEO at Adventure Tours USA Inc. and served as vice president
of tour operations at ATA airlines.
"Jack has exceptional tour operator credentials that will
benefit Pleasant Holidays," said Tim Irwin, Pleasant Holidays’
outgoing president & CEO. "His experience working with travel
agencies and in the online agency arena will continue to strengthen
Pleasant Holidays’ partnerships with our key accounts. Jack
understands the travel industry, the value of long-term
relationships and he will deliver the high levels of service that
have produced these valuable relationships for nearly five
decades."
Tim Irwin will retire in August after 5½ years with Pleasant
Holidays. Irwin announced his retirement in December 2006 to
prepare a smooth management transition for the new president.
"Pleasant Holidays has been a premier travel provider leading
the industry for nearly 50 years," Irwin said, "and I am committed
to working with Jack to ensure a smooth transition and that
Pleasant Holidays record of success continues in the future."
Richards will relocate from Texas and will reside near Westlake
Village, Calif., headquarters of Pleasant Holidays.
