A former member of Saga Holidays' executive team is to return to take over as its managing director.

Chris Simmonds left the Folkestone-based firm 10 years to become chief executive of Revitalise, a charity providing short breaks and holidays for disabled people and carers.

But on March 2 he will be back to replace Maria Whiteman who left the company late last year.

She announced last May she was leaving to join privately-owned student travel specialist, Next Generation Travel.

In his new role, Simmonds will drive the transformation of Saga Holidays in line with its growth agenda and overall strategic direction of returning Saga back to its former glories.

The announcement comes in the same month Saga group's chief executive, Lance Batchelor, leaves the firm after a turbulent few years.

Robin Shaw, CEO of Saga Travel said: “I am excited to welcome Chris to our business and our travel leadership team. I am confident that Chris will be as integral to Saga Holidays’ future, as he was in its past, and is the right person to lead its transformation.”

Mr Simmonds added: “I am joining Saga, not to relive the past but to use what is important from the past to shape the future. I want to contribute to Saga Holidays' return to growth and ensure we can all enjoy the true spirit of Saga again.”

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