HRG (Hogg Robinson Group) has embarked on a restructuring programme across its European operations that will see four regional directors, each responsible for a number of countries in their area.
The move follows that of the company”s US and Canadian operations, which merged last year as HRG North America.
Europe North, which includes countries such as the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Russia, is to be run by the previous managing director (MD) of HRG Nordic, Hans Holman, who is based in Stockholm.
Europe Central is to be led by former HRG Switzerland MD, Beat B”rer, in Zurich and includes, for example, Austria, France and Italy. Europe West is headed up by Peter Kite, previously MD for HRG UK, whose responsibilities have been extended to include Belgium.
The fourth position is for a director of Europe Multinational Services, which has been given to existing operations director Europe, Ian Windsor who, like Kite, is based in Farnborough. Windsor will be responsible for all HRG client services across the region.
”Providing our clients with a truly seamless operation in Europe is something that we”ve been planning for some time,” said HRG regional president Europe, Reto Bacher. ”The restructure allows us to further break down the barriers to business that can sometimes exist between countries.”
In addition to putting together its country operations, HRG has been developing software to integrate the booking process across all travel services. Its Universal Super Platform (USP) is a seamless application that joins various sources such as GDS, low cost carriers and third-party websites worldwide.
”Developed in-house, HRG USP provides the flexibility required to meet specific client needs while also delivering the benefits of global coverage and consistent standards,” added Bacher. ”Both in-house and third-party products and services can be integrated with the platform to achieve a tailored solution.”