Our people

Mark has been Chief Executive of ABTA since September 2005. He is responsible for the strategy and direction of the Association. Before joining ABTA Mark held senior strategy and corporate finance positions in a number of industry sectors, and was Group Strategy Director of Centrica plc., the parent company of British Gas and the Automobile Association.

Graeme leads ABTA’s external and internal communications, including PR and media relations, marketing communications and brand stewardship. Joining ABTA in 2020, he was previously Head of Communications for Waitrose & Partners. He brings to the role more than 25 years’ experience of working with major organisations.

Simon is a solicitor and was appointed Head of Legal and Member Services and ABTA’s Company Secretary in 2004, having joined ABTA as a Legal Adviser in 1996. Simon’s team is responsible for the provision of legal and regulatory guidance to Members; the advice and alternative dispute resolution services to customers of ABTA Members; and for the operation and enforcement of ABTA’s Code of Conduct.

Susan joined ABTA as a senior solicitor in 2016 and was subsequently appointed Director in 2019. She leads the Destinations and Sustainability teams in our work on sustainable tourism, health and safety, operations and crisis management. Susan engages with destination and UK governments, tourist boards, trade associations and other stakeholders on behalf of Members in relation to travel industry matters.

Rachel joined ABTA as Director of Financial Protection in 2020 and was subsequently appointed Director of Membership and Financial Protection in May 2021. Rachel leads ABTA’s membership, financial protection, claims, risk and insurance operations, and sits on the CAA’s Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC). Prior to joining ABTA, Rachel worked in financial services specialising in risk and regulation at KPMG, EY and the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Luke joined ABTA in 2011, originally working on European issues, and was appointed Director in 2020. He leads the Public Affairs team’s work with Governments and policymakers in Westminster, the Devolved Administrations and in Europe. Luke works regularly with Members and industry stakeholders on government relations issues, and is also a Board Member of the Tourism Alliance and Observer to the Board of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance. 

Carolyn joined ABTA in September 2011. Carolyn brings a wealth of experience both in finance and managing support services to ensure ABTA is able to deliver the best services to Members and Consumers.