Addressing Aito’s annual general meeting on Thursday (19 April), Rowles admitted Aito’s HQ team had been “short-staffed over the past few years”, and the association “short on policy for a while”.
He said the new hires, head of industry affairs Christina Brazier and head of membership Emma Taylor, “would give HQ the resource to achieve what we want them to”. Aito also recently took on marketing communications manager Amy Waller.
Atol expert Brazier brings more than 20 years’ industry experience to her newly created role within Aito; she started her career as a graduate trainee at the CAA and went on to spend 15 years focusing on Atol issues, working her way up to a senior management position with responsibility for licensing, crisis management and Atol policy.
In 2018, she joined the Travel Trade Consultancy as operations director for its in-house insurance broker, The Travel Vault, providing financial protection solutions to travel businesses. Her remit was widened to help TTC clients with regulatory compliance and to oversee several trust accounts.
“I have worked with Aito for many years and have been so impressed by the members’ passion for their products and destinations, and for continuously delivering the highest levels of customer service,” said Brazier.
“Aito has provided valuable support to its members for nearly 50 years, so I have big shoes to fill. I can’t wait to get to know the members better, and to ensure they are well represented in the upcoming regulatory changes for the travel sector. I am also excited to be part of Aito’s growth plans, and to work with the Aito team to maintain its strength for the future.”