Director, Swift Travel Consultancy Ltd
Malcolm Lindop
About Malcolm
Malcolm is a CEO, entrepreneur, B2B business owner & specialist in product acquisition, negotiation and international purchasing – he also has proven director/NED experience across fast-paced travel industry environments and his commercial knowledge is matched only by his international outlook and global contact list. Prior to Swift Travel Consultancy and his current engagements with AC Group and New Concept Travel, he led the purchasing division of Jac Travel and UK/Ireland contracting for Tracoin, expanding both team & the contracted hotel base to record highs, and creating growth opportunities for the wider business as a result. Malcolm’s early career was spent at Gulliver’s Travel Associates (GTA) where he spent 9 years building a formidable reputation as a senior buyer in London, UK & Europe. Malcolm has a remarkable depth of knowledge of Middle Eastern, Asian & US markets, and was instrumental in the opening of company offices in such diverse global hotspots as Hong Kong, Dubai, Orlando & London.
Malcolm is a keen veteran footballer, loyal Arsenal fan and avid gig-goer, sometimes all on the same day. He lives in North London with his family.
Major Achievements
- In partnership with Rob Russell led Management Buy-Out at AC Tours, leading to fourfold income growth over following 3-year period
- Established Dubai, Hong Kong & Orlando in-market purchasing structures/teams at Jac, with resulting accelerated regional growth.
- Co-founded New Concept Travel in partnership with Bernard Bialyew, based in Hong Kong, delivering high volume group business globally from SE Asian markets.
- Led acquisition and merger of 3 separate Tour Operator businesses.
- Significant internationalisation experience launching – from scratch – new markets and products across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, setting up infrastructure and teams in key strategic regional hubs to stimulate new growth.
- Unparalleled knowledge of Incoming businesses – specifically destination marketing, product curation and Itinerary planning in the UK.
- 15+ years of setting international purchasing strategies & delivering best outcomes to align with demand.
- Successful negotiation of commercial agreements during large scale high demand events, such as London 2012 Olympics and 1998 France World Cup.
- Strong track record of leading teams through both tremendous growth, but also restructuring, rebuilding and change after 9/11, Gulf Wars & economic crashes.
- Impeccable network of C-Suite contacts at Hotels, Chains and DMCs globally.
Career History Summary:
- Co-owner & Director, New Concept Travel, 2018-Current
- Joint CEO, AC Group, 2015-2020
- Jac Travel Head of Global Contracting, 2005-2015
- Senior Contracts Manager– UK & Ireland, Tracoin Services Ltd, 2003-2005
- Senior Contracts Manager, Gulliver’s Travel Associates, 1998-2003
- Reservations Supervisor, Gulliver’s Travel Associates, 1997-1998
- FIT Reservations Exec, Gulliver’s Travel Associates, 1993-1996