Not Just Travel has promoted Mel Garthwaite to the newly created role of Head of Operations and Experience.
The move marks her second promotion since rejoining the Bournemouth-based homeworking company in March 2025, having returned as Franchise Manager before being promoted to Head of Projects.
With more than 27 years’ industry experience, Mel previously held the role of Head of Quality Assurance and Training at Not Just Travel after first joining in June 2022.
Her new role broadens her remit across operations, support infrastructure and commercial growth, with a focus on enhancing the experience of the company’s consultants.
Not Just Travel Co-founder Steve Witt said Mel is ‘quite simply, the best person for this role in the industry’.
He added: “We already have a great team, but with Mel’s leadership and our continued investment, it will become a world-class team, setting a new benchmark for the entire industry to follow.”
“What sets her apart is how she melds significant operational expertise with a human-focused approach that very few people manage to combine. She understands processes and systems, but she also understands people.
“She is heavily invested in elevating the experience for our travel consultants and ultimately for every customer they serve. Mel has already brought ideas to the table that we are genuinely excited about. We are very much looking forward to the next phase of growth of this company with Mel in place.”
Mel said: “Operations only work when the people at the centre of them feel supported and valued. My focus has always been on removing friction for our consultants, whether that is the speed of a response, the clarity of a process, or simply knowing that someone is there to support them. There is still a lot more we can do, and I am excited about the direction we are heading.”
