Opodo the pan-European online travel company has expanded its commercial and product area with the appointment of two new senior positions. Robin Frewer has been appointed as Product Director with responsibility for developing and implementing the Product Strategy across all Opodo product areas of flights, hotels, packages, car, insurance and other travel services.

Prior to joining Opodo, Robin was a consultant for First Choice - working within the Specialist Holidays Division. During this time he oversaw the restructuring of specialist Tour Operators in a number of European markets and was responsible for the development and the implementation of new product concepts.

Before joining First Choice Robin held a number of senior positions at Thomson Travel Group / TUI (1997 to 2005) including Head of Strategy and Development (TUI NE Contracting), Head of Strategy and Integration (TUI Group Contracting), Head of Commercial and Supplier Management (Thomson) and Purchasing Manager Strategic Contracts (Thomson Holidays). Robin began his career working in the oil exploration industry before undertaking an MBA and embarking on a program of professional research and development work specialising in Performance Management and Strategic Purchasing.

Tristan Gadsby has been appointed as Distribution Director with responsibility for further developing and implementing Opodo’s distribution strategies to increase conversion and enhance customer experience. Prior to joining Opodo Tristan was a Senior Manager at Accenture, the global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. During his 10 years with Accenture Tristan worked with a broad range of clients on an international basis, and over the last five years has focused on the travel and transport industry sectors, leading business transformation programmes and IT strategy work. Prior to joining Accenture, Tristan was a founder member of a start-up multimedia business developing CD-ROMs for the consumer market.

I am delighted that Robin and Tristan are bringing their commercial acumen and international travel industry knowledge to Opodo, said Sally Balcombe, Commercial and Product Director for Opodo. Both have excellent track records of achievement and the skills they bring will be invaluable to Opodo as we look to further enhance our product and customer offering.

Robin and Tristan will both report to Sally Balcombe, Commercial and Product Director.