In the newly created role, Hardy will be tasked with growing Shearings’ digital offering across all its brands, working with their respective marketing and e-commerce teams to drive improvement.

He will take up the role on April 30.

Hardy has previously held leadership roles with Tui, Page & Moy, Co-operative Travel and most recently, icelolly.com.

Richard Calvert, Shearings chief executive, said: “I am delighted to have someone of Neil’s experience and track record joining us.

“Our group has a diverse set of specialist brands and our focus on digital growth for each of these is core to our strategy.

“Neil will work closely with our e-commerce and marketing teams in accelerating the already impressive progress that has been made in this area over the last 12 months”

Hardy added: “The group has seen some impressive growth recently in the digital area, and I look forward to working with colleagues to accelerate the digital strategy on a fantastic range of specialist brands.”

It comes after Shearings Holidays recently launched its 2018 family holidays brochure.