Gillespie will take up the role with immediate effect, reporting to Lisa Henning, TTNG’s chief operating officer.

Gary Lewis, TTNG chief executive, said: “Gary has a great deal of experience of the UK travel industry and will be a strong addition to our group.

“Under Lisa’s leadership, together with the whole team, the business has gone from strength to strength, and this new appointment will allow us to take advantage of the recent market disruption and bring further innovation and best practice to the business.”

Gillespie started his career as a retail travel agent for Thomas Cook before moving into tour operations as business development manager and later head of sales and training for Cook’s Flexibletrips.

He then moved to Dublin-based bed bank Innstant Travel as head of sales UK before moving to Super Break, which collapsed in August.

Gillespie said: “Having worked with Independent Travel Experts for many years, I’ve always admired their professionalism and focus on unrivalled personal service.

“With recent events bringing homeworking to the attention of many travel agents as a way to take control of their own destiny, it’s a really exciting time to join the team.

“I’m looking forward to building on the great success they’ve had to date, and working closely with everyone to grow the business, enhance the proposition for our homeworkers and further strengthen the relationships and the support we provide at all levels.”