Jason Kemp joins the operator from Balkan Holidays where he spent six and a half years as regional sales manager.

He has 20 years’ experience in travel and has previously held roles with Globespan and Tui.

Kemp will report to senior regional sales manager Liz Ryan and joins a team of six at Saga. He will start on November 26.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Jason join the team,” said Ryan. “We haven’t had local representation in Scotland and Northern Ireland for some time now and we know the potential this region has.

"Jason is incredibly well respected in the industry and he has a fantastic network across the regions he manages.”

Iain Powell, Saga head of trade sales, said Kemp would further increase Saga’s support for its trade partners.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support the trade has given us this year and our strong growth has allowed us to further increase the regional team’s reach.

“Scotland and Northern Ireland represents a huge opportunity for us and we are very excited about the coming year and beyond.”

Chris Rand, Balkan Holidays sales and marketing manager, added: “Jason has done a great job for Balkan over the past six years and we wish him well with his new challenge.”