New Managing Director appointed for Classic Cottages

Jan. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Anthony Skitt has joined the Helston-based company and will take over from Simon Tregoning who will move from his current role as MD to become Chairman.

Anthony, who has relocated from Cambridge to Falmouth, will take responsibility for developing the strategy and direction of Classic Cottages; lead the staff and senior management team, as well as the financial management and profitability of the business.

Classic Cottages markets around 700 high-quality properties in its portfolio across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

With specialist experience in sales and marketing, brand development, wholesale distribution and multi-site retail, Anthony has held managerial, director and board level posts at a number of private and public companies.

The 51 year old joins Classic from on-line retailer and nursery goods store Babyboodle.com where he was director. He has also held director-level posts at book retailer The Works Stores Ltd and entertainment distribution companies Choices UK and Warner Home Video in the UK and Ireland.

Commenting on his appointment, Anthony said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Simon and the whole team to contribute to the future success of Classic Cottages. This is a really exciting time for the business and everyone at Classic is firmly focused on the delivery of a truly first-class experience for all its customers and its dynamic, forward-thinking approach is what sets the business apart and what attracted me to the role. I’m also relishing the opportunity to meet and work closely with our property owners across the four counties, who are absolutely central to our business.”

Simon, who has been with Classic Cottages for more than 20 years, will work with Anthony in setting the culture, brand values and strategic direction of the company.

Simon added, “We’re all delighted to be welcoming Anthony into the Classic team – this is a really significant position and in Anthony we have found someone with great drive, determination and leadership skills to help us achieve our ambitions. His knowledge, skills, ability to innovate and background will undoubtedly strengthen the existing expertise within the team for the greater benefit of all our customers. Anthony has a wealth of experience and I have every confidence he will do a great job of upholding the culture and ethos of Classic Cottages, helping to ensure its continued success.”
                                                                                 
Outside of work, Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children, as well as outdoor pursuits including participating in offshore sailing, skiing and golf. He is also a fan of West Country band Muse.

Anthony added: “I think, also, that the West Country offers such a fantastic work/life balance and I’m sure that my family and I will quickly settle and recognise this superb quality of lifestyle.”

Ends - 25 January 2011

Press: For more information contact Rob Looker at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 (r.looker@travelpr.co.uk).

# # #

Travel PR is one of the leading travel PR agencies in the UK with over 30 clients covering trade associations, hotels, tour operators and tourist boards.