The months-long search for a new president of Classic Vacations ended last week when the luxury tour operator announced Tim MacDonald, formerly vice president of Hotwire.com, as the successor to Gregg Brockway, who resigned in late 2006.
The news was released just as MacDonald was getting acclimated to his new role and he therefore was not available to comment on any plans he may have for the company.
MacDonald has a varied résumé, including tenure as an executive-level advisor for technology consulting firm Booz-Allen & Hamilton and as a business development leader for CB&I Industries, a procurement and construction company.
At Hotwire, a discount travel site, which—like Classic Vacations—is owned by Expedia, Inc., MacDonald focused on product development, spearheading revenue management and long-term strategy. Such extensive leadership skills are what landed MacDonald the role, says Ron Letterman, vice chairman and senior advisor of Classic Vacations, who served as Classic's interim president.
"We looked long and hard to find the right person to lead Classic," Letterman says. "Tim's unique skills stood out. He's a solid manager with great strategic and people skills."
In a statement, MacDonald said he expects to continue Classic's well-regarded reputation for products and services geared toward the agency community. "I look forward to working with the many travel agencies that have helped Classic become so successful," he added.
The rest of Classic's executive team remains in place.