Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE

Julia became Managing Director of the Advantage Travel Centres group in July 2013, with responsibility for running the business on a day-to-day basis as well as developing the strategy and vision for the company. With a sales turnover of approximately £3.5 billion and a diverse business model which incorporates membership of travel agents and TMC’s, an insurance company, an insurance broker as well as a shareholding in an international business, the role has enabled Julia to develop her skills even further as a leader in the industry. Julia launched Vision 2020 – a strategic plan which outlined the key business goals for the next five years; redefining the business culture to one of momentum, enthusiasm, high performance and energy; repositioning the business to The Advantage Travel Partnership providing greater clarity of its business to business ethos and membership value; restructuring of marketing and business development as core services to the entire group as well as the introduction of a new governance framework for the company. In March 2016 Julia led the acquisition to purchase a majority shareholding in WIN (Worldwide Independent Travel Network) the groups first significant investment into a core portfolio of products and services.

In a main board level role, overseeing both the strategic and operating functions of the business. Julia's direct responsibilities were to ensure Advantage's leisure portfolio remained competitive, providing its members with an unrivalled and innovative proposition as defined within the companies business plan. Within Julia’s remit she was responsible for delivering best-in-class commercial arrangements across a wide portfolio of business partners, on behalf of around 750 member leisure outlets. In a wide-ranging role, Julia was also involved in driving Advantage's £200m cruise strategy which furnished Independent agents with exclusively negotiated special rates, offers and commercial benefits. In 2011 Julia introduced The Advantage Travel Gateway – a new multi-channel distribution technology platform providing members with access to bookable aggregated leisure product through API connectivity. In 2012 Julia was inducted in the Women's 1st Top 100 club for travel and hospitality. Julia has been an ITT board director since 2011.

Responsibility for driving best in class commercial deals with over 150 business partners, inlcuding tactial arrangements and incentives. Ensuring key activity is implemented throughout peak booking periods in the leisure calendar.