Former Lunn Poly systems boss to steer product drive at agency systems giantDave Yerbury, former head of projects and software development at vertically-integrated giant TUI, has joined Comtec Europe, the leading provider of booking solutions and management systems for agents, as development and operations director.
The appointment forms part of Comtec’s radical strategy to offer agents a one-stop sales and services solution. According to the company, Yerbury will steer the development of new and existing products to match agents’ needs for productivity-enhancing solutions that incorporate pricing, availability and content.
Before joining Comtec, Yerbury was head of projects and software development at TUI UK Distribution, which is vertically-integrated with Thomson Holidays and which also runs Lunn Poly, one of the UK’s leading agency multiples. During his nine years with the group, he developed the multi-million pound agency management system RAPID for TUI’s travel agency chain Lunn Poly.
At Comtec, Yerbury will also be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of Comtec’s operations for its rapidly expanding customer base. Customers include First Choice-subsidiary Travel Choice, Thomas Cook Direct, TV Travel Shop, West Midlands Co-op, Dawson & Sanderson and Galaxy Travel.
Comtec’s portfolio features TravelCat, the UK’s leading agency management system with over 9000 agency PCs connected; EasySell, the industry’s only multi-operator search solution, enabling agents to search availability from operators in a matter of seconds; e-commerce solutions and holiday data, including late and full season package holiday and flight availability. Said Comtec’s CEO Simon Powell: “Dave Yerbury brings with him unrivalled expertise in creating innovative products and a deep understanding of the operational needs of agents. We look forward to channelling his energy and knowledge to help our customers become even more productive.”
Said Dave Yerbury: “Comtec’s vision and reputation for innovation make it one of the most attractive companies in the industry. As agents strive to become more profitable, solutions that reduce selling times and speed up administration have never been more important. And as these are areas in which Comtec excels, this was natural move for me to make.”
Comtec is also the retail travel industry’s leading e-commerce developer powering sites such as bargainholidays.com, Expedia.co.uk, Holiday.co.uk and lastminute.com. In addition, the company delivers lates data and content to the UK retail travel market, and was the first company to develop an internet-viewdata interface.
