Managing director Russell, who set up the independent operator with wife Charlotte Howell in 2007, will become Africa & Beyond’s chairman.

Sales director Jamie Taylor and operations director Sue Foster will take over management duties.

“They have both been instrumental in getting the company to where it is now and will continue to work towards growing and expanding the business,” said Russell.

Africa and Beyond specialises in holidays to Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

It was a finalist in the Specialist Operator of the Year category at the 2018 TTG Travel Awards on Monday, losing out to Cyplon Holidays.

“I am really looking forward to my new challenge as chairman of Africa and Beyond, which will involve training and networking, and continuing to help build the company I am extremely proud of,” added Russell.

“The whole team - admin, accounts and reservations - really look forward to progressing our great relationships with existing agents and forging new ones with new agents.”