TORONTO — Merit Travel is transitioning its leadership team as Merit founders Louise de Grandpré and Michael Merrithew have announced their intention to leave the company, effective at the end of July.

H.I.S – Merit Travel says Phil Sproul will become CEO effective immediately.

Sproul joined Merit Travel Group in January 2016 and was most recently President, Merit Loyalty Services. Sproul is well-known in the industry, with stints including President, Kensington Tours (2012 – 2014), President, TPI (2008 – 2012) and VP, Sales & Customer Experience for ACV (2002 – 2006).

“We want to congratulate Louise and Michael for their incredible accomplishment in building an industry leading company over the past 27 years,” said Hideo Hatano, Global Business Development Director, H.I.S

“Going forward, the team led by Phil Sproul will drive our growth trajectory across our Loyalty, Corporate and Leisure travel businesses by providing customers with unmatched access to new programs, resources, support and services.”

Michael Merrithew added: “It has been an incredible journey for Loulou and myself. We are so very grateful to the hundreds of team members who helped us build a remarkable company and contributed to our shared success. It’s never easy to step away, but this is the right time for the future of the company and its employees. We’ll be taking some well-deserved time off until we move on to the next chapter of our careers.”