Robin Tauck has decided to leave Tauck World Discovery to launch a new venture, R. Tauck & Partners LLC. The move ends a distinguished 30-year career with her family’s travel company.
Leadership of Tauck World Discovery remains firmly in the hands of the Tauck family. Arthur Tauck continues in his long-standing role as chairman of the board, and his son-in-law, Dan Mahar, continues as CEO. Liz Tauck Walters, daughter of Arthur Tauck and sister of Robin Tauck, is a board member and she manages the Tauck family’s private charitable foundation. Going forward, Liz Tauck will also oversee the company’s World of Giving initiatives. The company will not fill the president role at this time.
Chairman Arthur Tauck expressed his appreciation for his daughter Robin’s service and his strong confidence in the leadership team she leaves behind. “We are so grateful for Robin’s many years of accomplishments, as well as her passion and commitment to the Tauck brand,” said Arthur Tauck. “At the same time, our board is very appreciative of the leadership that Dan and his management team have provided the company during the last two years.”
Since 1982, Robin Tauck has held a variety of positions within Tauck World Discovery. She has served as president, CEO, a 10-year member of Tauck’s board and also has served as executive director of its World of Giving philanthropic initiatives. In her new role, she will pursue new business ventures within specialty segments of the global travel arena, and work on public-private partnerships that focus on global issues intersecting with the travel industry.
Robin Tauck said, “I am leaving this role with satisfaction and pride in our accomplishments, pride in my family, and with full support for the company’s future. Tauck World Discovery is in wonderful hands with Dan Mahar at the helm.” She added, “I look forward to applying the extensive experience I gained at Tauck to new ventures in the international travel industry and to ‘giving back’ and contributing to the pressing issues of our time. I now have the opportunity to focus on entrepreneurial pursuits for which I have great passion.”
Tauck World Discovery achieved record revenues in 2007 under the leadership of Robin and Mahar, and is poised to do so in 2008, despite a weakened economy, unfavorable exchange rates and high fuel costs. During this same time, the company also has attained its best-ever guest satisfaction levels.
“Employee morale is at an all-time high at Tauck,” added Arthur Tauck. “I know this team will continue to stand by the values and philosophies that have guided our company for decades, while continuing to innovate and pursue several new initiatives for 2009 and 2010.”
Mahar echoed Arthur Tauck’s sentiments. “Tauck World Discovery is a family-owned business that has benefited from the contributions of four generations of Taucks,” said Mahar. “Robin has contributed in so many ways to Tauck over the years and our family and company will forever be grateful for her service and commitment. We know that Robin will continue to be a leader in the industry and be extremely successful in her new pursuits.”
Under her management, Tauck saw the introduction of many new premium travel offerings and initiatives, including the global reach to 70 countries and all continents. Robin managed the strategic direction and operation of over 110 worldwide tours, cruises and safaris and was one of the company's chief liaisons to suppliers, travel agents and the travel industry. Prior to joining Tauck, Robin worked for Westin Hotels and Ocean Voyages, an international yacht company.
Robin remains a shareholder of the company, along with her siblings. At the request of the company, she will continue to serve on the boards of the World Travel and Tourism Council and the Travel Industry Association Foundation for a period of time. She will also continue to serve on the Tauck Foundation, her personal foundation, and on other non-profit boards. Robin will continue to work closely with the executive team of Tauck to ensure that her transition from the company proceeds smoothly. Tauck is now in its 83rd year.
Visit www.tauckworld.com.