Classic Vacations has confirmed Melissa Krueger (pictured above) will depart the company after 13 years, including five years as CEO. Sharon Conway, a 20-year veteran of Classic Vacations and the current Chief Financial Officer, will step into the role of Interim CEO effective immediately.
Krueger’s departure from Classic Vacations comes following a strong first year as part of TBO and at a time when the company is positioned for continued growth. Over the past year, Classic has expanded and strengthened its sales organisation, continued investing in technology and the advisor experience broadened its destination portfolio and laid the groundwork to bring its luxury travel offering to new markets. The company has also benefited from greater integration with TBO, providing access to expanded technology, resources and capabilities.
“Melissa has made an extraordinary contribution to Classic Vacations over the past 13 years, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership, commitment and passion she has brought to the business,” said Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director of TBO. “As Classic enters its next chapter, Sharon is exceptionally well-positioned to provide continuity while building on the momentum already created. Her understanding of the business, and combination of strategic, operational and financial expertise make her a natural leader for this moment.”
Conway has been a senior leader at Classic Vacations for two decades, developing deep knowledge across the company’s business model, operations, economics and strategic priorities. As CFO, her responsibilities have helped shape company strategy and key business decisions while cultivating strong rapport across Classic’s executive team, travel advisor community and supplier partners. She has also stepped in as a leader through periods of organisational change and changes in ownership.
“Having spent 20 years at Classic Vacations, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this company special: our people, the trust we’ve built with travel advisors, our consortia partners and across the industry, and the level of service we bring to every relationship.” said Conway.
(Above: Sharon Conway, interim CEO and CFO, Classic Vacations)
“As I step into this role, I’m focused on listening closely to our teams and partners, staying connected to the needs of our advisor community and ensuring we continue delivering the experience they have come to expect from Classic.”
The leadership transition does not change Classic Vacations’ strategic direction or day-to-day operations, it said. Existing agreements, programs and commitments with travel advisors, suppliers and consortia partners will be honoured, and the company’s teams and existing points of contact remain unchanged.
Classic Vacations added that it’s taking “a thoughtful approach to determining its longer-term leadership structure.” In the interim, Conway will prioritise maintaining business momentum, supporting Classic’s teams and deepening engagement with clients, suppliers and consortia partners.
