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Meet the Hays Travel Independence Group team

By joining our Independence Group, members have access to Hays Travel’s infrastructure, innovative technology, sector insight, industry-leading commercial terms, and a dedicated team of people to support their business – whether that’s with paying suppliers or accessing property advice – leaving them free to focus on selling holidays and reap the financial reward,

Jonathon Woodall-Johnston

Jonathon

Woodall-Johnston

Chief Operating Officer
Joined Hays Travel: 2004

After completing training and qualifications in accountancy, Jonathon was mentored and guided by the founder of Hays Travel, John Hays, and promoted through various roles in the company. Prior to being appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020, Jonathon managed the Finance and Audit teams, before leading the Hays Travel Independence Group and the Commercial Team.

Jonathon is a highly regarded influencer and negotiator with astute financial acumen, who has been instrumental in driving Hays Travel’s organic and acquisitive growth. He is a motivational leader who builds cooperation and inspires success in others through his integrity, enthusiasm, and exceptional commerciality.

Harriet Thompson

Harriet

Thompson

Head of Independence Group
Joined Hays Travel: 2006

Harriet began her career as a retail apprentice and was soon promoted to Assistant Manager, before finding her natural ‘home’ in Hays Travel Independence Group in 2014. Here Harriet too was guided by the founder of Hays Travel, John Hays, and was soon promoted through various roles, including Sales and Operations General Manager, before being made Head of Independence Group in 2023.

Harriet is an astute businesswoman, who is highly liked and respected in equal measure. She is a charismatic, energetic, and effective leader, who thrives off working with Independence Group members on their businesses. 

Ken

Campling

Finance Director
Joined Hays Travel: 2021
Our finance team provides access to daily commission reports and is on hand to help members make the most of these for financial planning and to answer financial queries. Our state-of-the-art selling system manages your bookings seamlessly, without the need for any manual intervention.

Claire

Gibson

Head of Commercial
Joined Hays Travel: 2001
Our commercial team work with over 300 suppliers to ensure Hays Travel Independence Group members have the best commercial terms and the right product mix for their customers. The team work daily with suppliers to negotiate excellent staff incentives, overrides, commissions and educational trips.

Taya

Reynolds

Chief Technology Officer
Joined Hays Travel: 2025
Our technology team source and develop best-in-class IT solutions. Independence Group members have access to our experienced support team via ‘live chat’ or telephone - who can resolve issues remotely with little disruption to users – as well as anti-virus protection, a fully managed backup service, and high-quality equipment.

Catriona

Parsons

Head of Cruise
Joined Hays Travel: 2019
Our dedicated cruise team are here to help ensure you have all the tools to make cruise a big part of your business. The team focus on both commercial and product, negotiating the best commercials to ensure you are competitive within the market.

Nicola

Loftus

Head of FX Operations
Joined Hays Travel: 2005
We offer the complete Foreign Exchange solution with no risk to your business. Our buying power means we can offer our members competitive exchange rates with full flexibility and control over what they earn.

Emma

Ray

Operations Manager
Joined Hays Travel: 2004
Our head office operations and partnerships team in Sunderland are on hand Monday-Friday to help with any operational queries you may have. They are available via telephone and email, as well as having a monthly check in call with you to keep in touch.

Member Testimonial

I am confident that whatever I ask of them it is done, and I am confident that they are looking out for me as a business.

Nicola Park Seaside Travel

Nicola Park

Seaside Travel

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