Paul Carter announced today that he will step down as CEO of Hotelplan UK at the end of October 2020 for personal reasons. He will be succeeded by Joe Ponte, previously Managing Director at Explore Worldwide.

As of November 1, 2020, Joe Ponte will take over the role of CEO of Hotelplan UK and, in his new role, will become a member of the Hotelplan Group's executive management team. He will report directly to Thomas Stirnimann, CEO Hotelplan Group. For the past 2.5 years, Joe Ponte was Managing Director at Hotelplan UK's subsidiary Explore Worldwide. Before that, the 44-year-old worked in various companies in the tourism sector both in the UK and his native Australia. "I am convinced that we have found the ideal successor in Joe Ponte. From his previous role he knows Hotelplan UK and the current challenges very well. I wish him every success in his new position", says Thomas Stirnimann, CEO Hotelplan Group.

Paul Carter has been CEO of Hotelplan UK since spring 2017. His resignation is unrelated to the Corona crisis, but entirely for personal reasons. "I deeply regret Paul Carter’s decision to leave Hotelplan UK, but understand and respect the personal reasons behind this. On behalf of the entire Executive Committee, I would like to offer our sincere thanks for his tireless commitment with the Group and wish him the very best for his future", explains Thomas Stirnimann.

Deputy Managing Director at Explore, John Telfer will take charge at Explore until a longer term successor is found.