Penny Martin has announced that she will retire from her role as VP Agent Experience role at The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) as of AUG 2024.
Martin has been with the company since its inception, working alongside Flemming Friisdahl as they built the company from scratch 10 years ago.
“I am so fortunate that I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people throughout my career. It has been filled with unforgettable experiences, and I am immensely grateful for all of you who have been a part of it,” said Martin. “I will be retiring from my role at The Travel Agent Next Door but hope to stay involved in the travel industry. Travel is in my blood!”
She added that being part of The Travel Agent Next Door since the beginning was the ultimate achievement of her career in travel. “To see us grow from zero to over 1,200 agents was very exciting and rewarding.”
TTAND founder Flemming Friisdahl praised Martin and her role in helping grow The Travel Agent Next Door. “Penny has been by my side from well before we even opened our doors and I could not have built this company without her and she has been a key member of our team and instrumental in our growth,” said Friisdahl. “Timely and complete support for our agents is one of the key pillars at The Travel Agent Next Door and Penny has overseen this area from the beginning, ensuring our agents had everything they needed to sell travel and be successful.”
He added: “Many people often would joke that Penny was my work wife and Rhonda was my home wife. I’m not sure who was the lucky one but without both these ladies The Travel Agent Next Door would simply not be the company it is. I am VERY happy for Penny as she moves into this new phase in her life and I will miss my daily interaction with her. However, knowing Penny (as I do) I am sure we will get to see lots of her, as she will still be around TTAND from time to time, making sure I am doing a good job!”
As Open Jaw reported, TTAND announced that it had conducted its "largest-ever" series of roadshows across Canada from Halifax to Victoria in OCT 2023, with over 600 attending. The roadshows featured Friisdahl and Martin, as well as other executives from the TTAND leadership team.
During TTAND’s recent VIP Supplier event at Toronto’s Royal York Hotel, founder and CEO Flemming Friisdahl reported a record for host agency sales of CAD $400 million in 2023, telling Open Jaw's Natasha McKenty there is overwhelming demand for "bigger ticketed items" despite a predicted recession.
Martin will continue in her role until AUG 2024 and intends to stay involved in the travel industry in some capacity after that date.
More information on TTAND's website.
