Ian Smith Group Chairman

Ian has been with Education Travel Group since its creation in 2008. He brings over 20 years experience as Director and Chairman for a range of travel companies. Between 1989 -1999 Ian was Managing Director of Lunn Poly and Board Director of Thomson Travel Group Plc. During this time Ian also worked as Executive Chairman of Crystal International, Thomson Breakaway and Austravel for a number of years. In 2001 Ian became Chairman and Managing Partner of Sun Villas Florida Direct where he stayed for 4 years. Since 2007 Ian has been Chairman of ET-China.com, Southern China’s largest leisure travel operator.

Paul Gilbert Chief Executive Officer

Paul was appointed CEO of Education Travel Group CEO in August 2008, having been CEO of Kingswood since 2005. Paul spent almost 9 years at Kingswood including 4 years during the 1980s. A qualified teacher, Paul was also owner and Managing Director of a Telecommunications and Human Resources Consultancy in New Zealand.

Gary Rook Group Sales Director

Gary joined Education Travel Group as Sales Director in August 2008. Prior to this, Gary worked in a variety of Sales Director positions for a number of years including National Sales Director for In Training between 2006-2007. Gary also has a wealth of travel experience from his 13 years as Sales & Operations Director for Lunn Poly.

Peter Carey Group Finance Director

Peter joined The Education Travel Group in October 2006 as Group Finance Director. Peter is ACA trained with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Cambridge, spending eight years with PwC in various role including corporate finance, audit, training and recruitment with a brief stint in their Christchurch New Zealand office. Previously Financial Director of a specialist construction company in the Midlands (subsequently sold to the largest construction company in the UK) and joint owner/FD of Broadcast Equipment Software and hardware manufacturer (subsequently sold to the largest Broadcast equipment manufacturer in the UK). Peter is due to undertake his training with the NSPCC and will have responsibility for independently managing child protection issues, monitoring operating policies and procedures as well as notifying concerns to external authorities.

Completing the Board are three non-executive Directors from Credit Suisse’s DLJ Merchant Banking Partners fund:

• Colin Taylor
• John Bentley
• Maximilian Hofert

They provide guidance and support in the development of our strategies.