Bean joins the operator from Hays Travel and will support agent partners in the north.

She started her career at Travel 2 before a lengthy stint at Jetset Holidays.

Her role includes responsibility for growing existing agent relationships dating back 20 years, and making new ones.

Managing director Daniel Gathercole said: “We are so pleased to get Nisha. She has a wealth of experience and is extremely personable, passionate and professional.

“All the team are really excited that she’s joining us. We really value our agent relationships, and Nisha and the rest of the team are really excited about the future.”

Bean’s arrival follows a wholesale reshuffle of First Class’s sales team.

National sales manager Jonathan Whiteley announced he was leaving the business last month to take up a role with Prestige Holidays.

Katie Daniels, meanwhile, has been promoted to head of sales south, with Paula Martin heading up First Class’s key accounts and Emma Clark supporting the team on the road.

“I am so pleased to join such a well-established and well-liked company,” said Bean. “I can’t wait to meet all our agent partners and start talking about our wonderful destinations.

“I am also looking forward to working with Katie, Paula, Emma and all the team at First Class, who have been so welcoming.”