Audley Travel appoints new managing director

Audley Travel has appointed Lisa Fitzell as its new Managing Director effective 1 October 2026. She will step up from her current role as Chief Product and Operations Officer to succeed Mark Hanson who is leaving the tailormade tour operator on 30 September after a 20-year tenure with the business. Prior to joining Audley Travel in October 2025 Fitzell served as managing director for luxury travel brands including Elegant Resorts, If Only and DTH Travel in Asia.

Mark Hanson leaves after 11 years as Managing Director during which he oversaw a three-fold increase in company turnover. The leadership change comes during Audley’s 30th anniversary year and follows the company’s recent strategic moves including an agreement to take over Kuoni’s John Lewis concession locations to mark its high street retail debut in November.

Audley Travel Chief Executive Richard Hodgson noted that Fitzell is well placed to lead the brand’s next chapter as it enters a phase of strategic growth and operational excellence.

Richard Hodgson, Chief Executive of Audley Travel, shared: “Lisa Fitzell is well placed to lead the brand’s next chapter as it enters a firm phase of strategic growth and operational excellence.”