Our Leadership Team
Our approach towards our people means that our business is full of leaders, but the people who are ultimately responsible the delivery of our results, whether that be financial results, people results, customer or supplier results are listed below.
To contact any of our Leadership Team please email the People Support Team on: pas.admin@albatrossgroup.com.
Steve Hornby
Group Chief Executive OfficerHaving completed his degree in Business Administration at the University of Bath, Steve spent the next 10 years living overseas, in Austria, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, working with several companies primarily in the travel industry. In 1999 Steve joined the company as Incoming Manager of what was then the Albatross Travel Group. In 2006 Steve moved with his family to Wiltshire to take up the role of Managing Director of group tour operator, Success Tours. Two years later Steve joined Sean Taggart in purchasing the Albatross Group from founding directors Sally and Manfred Thelen, eventually taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer. In 2016 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer and, in 2017, together with Chief Financial Officer, Adam Handy, Steve completed another buyout of the Group’s shareholding. Steve plays a leading role within the group tourism industry and is currently Chairman of the British Association of Wholesale Tour Agents.
Adam Handy
Group Chief Financial OfficerFollowing a successful career within mainstream tour operations, Adam, a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, joined Albatross as the Head of Finance in 2007 and was promoted to the Group Board in 2009. Given Adam’s passion and experience in People, Leadership and Management and online technology, Adam is now also responsible for the Group’s Service Departments incorporating Accounts & Finance, People & Administration and IT. In keeping with Adam’s passion for people, he takes an active interest in his local community and served as Chairman of nearby Larkfield Football Club in Kent for many years. His interest in sport has also seen him play an integral role in the creation of Success Fitness & Sports Tours, established in 2020 to deliver fantastic travel experiences for fitness and sporting groups.
Denise Bridges
Managing Director, Albatross TravelHaving worked as a long-time and trusted supplier to the Albatross Group in her role as Travel Trade Sales Director for Paramount Hotels, Denise joined Albatross in 2011 in a new role of Head of UK Sales, initially focusing on developing business from our core customer base of UK coach operators. In 2013, Denise was promoted to running wholesale in its entirety, reporting to the CEO. In 2015 Denise was again promoted to Managing Director of Albatross Travel, and in April 2016 took overall responsibility for our business to business brands. Denise joined the Group Board in 2016.
Euan Landsborough
Managing Director, Albatross Tours (Australia)Following a very enjoyable holiday in Australia in the mid-1990s, during which Manfred and Sally Thelen decided they would like to start a business there, they entered into a partnership with Euan to start Albatross Australia. Until then, Euan had been running his own small niche tour operation to Europe. Euan is a co-owner of Albatross Australia and his ongoing passion for Europe continues to lie at the heart of our success today.
Tony Flanagan
General Manager, Success ToursHaving worked in the group travel organiser market for many years, Tony has built many long-lasting relationships with key organisers within the industry. Tony joined the Albatross Group in 2005 as National Sales Manager for Success Tours. He was promoted in 2013 to General Manager, taking responsibility for the long-term development of the brand. In 2016 Tony spent a year as Director of Sales taking on the Group’s business to business brands, including Albatross Travel, before returning to Success Tours to resume the helm in 2017.
Heather Geraghty
Head of FinanceHeather joined Albatross in 2000 as an Admin Assistant after taking a break from her career to raise her family. Prior to this Heather had worked in accounts departments for both manufacturing and service industries. Over time at Albatross Heather made the move into the Accounts department and has since passed her AAT qualification. Heather has gained her knowledge working across all aspects of accounting, putting her in an excellent position to now head up the Finance department at Albatross.
Niamh Clarke
Head of PeopleHaving completed a degree in Business Administration at the University of Kent, Niamh began a career in management for a leading retailer. She soon realised her passion lay in people and made the jump into HR. After 14 years in retail and having started a family during that time, Niamh completed her CIPD qualification whilst on maternity leave and made the leap into the travel industry, joining the Albatross Group in 2018 as HR Manager. Within a year Niamh was promoted to the Head of People, where her and her team ensure Albatross remains a great place to work for all employees.