Apple Leisure Group Vacations Updates Executive Responsibilities

Apple Leisure Group (ALG) Vacations has shifted the responsibilities of many members of its executive team in a move it says will allow it to better serve travel advisors. Jacki Marks, EVP, Apple Leisure Group Vacations, outlined the changes in a letter to travel advisors. 

Going forward, Scott Wiseman, SVP and general manager of brand management, will focus on the financial performance and overall direction of the company’s travel agency brands, while John Tarkowski, SVP of brand strategy, will focus on developing and enhancing key programs, policies, strategic efforts, to maximize the performance of those brands. 

“With this change, each of the brands will continue to operate and maintain their unique value and personality, with the benefit of enhanced support and resources from the centralized organization,” Marks wrote. 

SVP Ron Jacobs has moved to a role outside of vacations, supporting the global ALG business. 

SVP of Marketing Wendy Hoekwater will dedicate her focus to travel agency marketing, with a particular focus on brand differentiation, Marks wrote. 

VP of Sales Jim Tedesco has expanded his sales territory and now oversees the sales function across the United States, and ALG is moving its West Coast team to a multi-brand business development management (BDM) platform. “This move will provide the opportunity for stronger relationships with agent advocates, provide a single point of contact who can quickly react to feedback and concerns, and streamline processes, resulting in faster resolutions,” Marks wrote. The West Coast sales team will reach out to their travel advisors directly with the details. 

Finally, as we reported from this year’s Travel Impressions Best of the Best Conference, VP of Groups Mike Ehlers has returned to lead the groups team. 

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