New Role At House Of Travel

House of Travel (HOT) announced today that Kevin Kenrick has accepted the role of chief executive officer; a new role New Zealand’s largest privately owned travel company has created.

Kenrick resigned from Telecom as their chief operating officer less than ten days ago. Since then speculation had him CEO of a large publicly listed company, however Kenrick said it had been an easy decision when he was offered the position with House of Travel.

“I feel excited by the role. The innovation and sustained growth achieved by House of Travel in such a challenging environment is a real testament to the people involved and one of the key things that attracted me to the business.

This is a New Zealand owned and operated business which ranks in the top ten privately owned companies in the country for turnover. This year they will turnover $800m with projected figures of $925m for 2008.”

When asked if he was concerned about the perceived declining relevance of a travel agent in today’s internet world, Kenrick was quick to point out House of Travel’s multi-channelled approach and its growth of 20 per cent year on year for the past four years.

“I have been impressed by the technology House of Travel has developed in-house to meet the changing needs and wants’ of their customers. I love that they just seem to get on and do what’s required, they are not daunted by the challenge – they are typically Kiwi with a ‘let’s find a way’ attitude.”

Kenrick said he’d done his research on the company and that had only reinforced his initial impressions.

“They are well respected not only by their competitors and suppliers in New Zealand but throughout the world. One international company told me that House of Travel was reinventing the role and value of a travel agent. Their success has come through being focused on remaining relevant to their customers. On a global basis they are at the leading edge.”

The company celebrates 20 years of operating in New Zealand this month and still remains privately owned.

Chris Paulsen, founder and managing director, is not stepping away from the business, he also will resume a newly created role as executive deputy chairman of the House of Travel Holdings Board.

“In an industry changing so dramatically, it is vital we can both successfully manage a very complex and changing business while at the same time be able to focus on developing strategies to ensure our future growth and prosperity.”

It has become very difficult and unrealistic for me to continue to manage the day to day aspects of the business, in addition to working on our future strategy.”

Paulsen says he has no problems admitting or recognising that he needs to bring in other skills to manage what is now a dynamic and complex business.

“I’m not precious about it at all. House of Travel is a significant business now, including a presence in Australia. This CEO role is one which I view as critical to the future success of the Group. I am confident Kevin is the person we need with his customer, IT, marketing and managerial experience and ability. His track record speaks for itself and it’s a real coup for us to have had Kevin accept the role. I just can’t wait for him to start.”

Kenrick will take up his new role on 1 February and will be based in Auckland.

The House of Travel Group has forecasted turnover in of $800m for 2007, it has 90 retail outlets (with specialist corporate, adventure and leisure and group travel outlets) throughout New Zealand, its own award winning aggregated booking website www.houseoftravel.co.nz and two wholesale companies (both inbound and outbound). It employs in excess of 1,100 people and is privately owned (by New Zealander Chris Paulsen) and operated since it was established in 1987.

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