TORONTO — Contiki has named James Marchant as its Global CEO with responsibility for the youth travel company’s global network of teams across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, developing and growing Contiki’s worldwide offering of 300+ epic, #NOREGRETS adventures.

Marchant joins Contiki from Second Estates, where he was a Marketing, Loyalty and Strategy Consultant for the luxury holiday rental investment company, and from the board of Black Tomato, the luxury travel agency that he helped to conceive and develop in 2005. He is relocating from London to be based at Contiki’s head office in Geneva.

Contiki recently launched its 2019 program with its inaugural Africa adventures, 21 new itineraries across Europe and the Middle East, as well as a new Iconic Essentials travel style that centres on providing maximum value for Millennial and Gen Z travellers.

“I’m hugely excited to have joined Contiki,” said Marchant. “As a proud member of The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, Contiki has consistently been at the forefront of delivering incredible travel experiences to 18 to 35 olds, made possible by a very passionate and skilled team who are focussed on delighting our travellers.”

Marchant takes over from Casper Urhammer, who was Contiki’s Global CEO from 2014 to 2018.