Classic Vacations announced Friday that Greg Bernd will assume the position of vice-chairman of industry relations. Bernd was previously co-president of Classic, as was David Hu, who now takes on the full role as president. In this new role, Bernd will focus exclusively on strengthening industry partnerships and developing new relationships in the ever-changing travel landscape.
Bernd joined Classic in 1984. Over his 28 year tenure he was promoted to director of national accounts and subsequently to vice president of sales. For the past five years, he served as co-president of Classic and was responsible for driving and executing sales strategy for the company.
“Greg’s knowledge and connections in the industry have been critical to the success of Classic. Now with the industry evolving, we need his focus on solidifying existing partnerships and developing new relationships,” said David Hu, president of Classic Vacations, in a written release.
In the interim, Dave Ferran, senior director of sales will become the acting head of sales and will assume the day to day responsibilities for the sales division. The sales team, which is comprised of three regional directors, 19 business development managers and the internal sales group will report into him.
Ferran began his Classic Vacations career in 1991 and has held a variety of sales positions. Prior to joining Classic, Ferran was a global account director for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. He will continue to lead Classic’s sales efforts in the Western United States while taking on his new responsibilities at Classic’s San Jose headquarters, including being the primary liaison with two of Classic’s major consortia partners, Virtuoso and Signature. He will report directly to Hu.
Classic Vacations sells Canada, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand.
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