05 Sep Highly-Regarded Luxury Executive, Don Jones, Named as Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations for Travel Leaders Elite

New York, NY (September 05, 2017) — Today, Travel Leaders Elite officially announced that Don Jones will serve as Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations, which is a newly-created role. He will be responsible for guiding the leadership structure and strategic plan, as well as increasing market share and revenue, particularly for Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group on the West Coast. Jones is based in the Los Angeles-area and will report directly to Gail Grimmett, President of Travel Leaders Elite.

“We were looking for someone who knows the luxury travel industry backwards and forwards, and Don Jones has a stellar reputation and wealth of experience. He has an incredibly well-rounded skill set in working with luxury advisors and suppliers, and he will definitely help us continue to strengthen our ever-growing West Coast operations,” stated Gail Grimmett, President of Travel Leaders Elite. “We are delighted to welcome him to our organization and know his expertise will continue to elevate the outstanding work of our best-in-class travel agents and employees.”

Prior to joining Travel Leaders Elite, Jones served as Executive Vice President for Cadence Travel where he managed the day-to-day operations with emphasis on new programs designed to enhance the customer experience. During his time at Cadence, Jones fostered a sales and marketing culture throughout the company, which included new branding for all divisions, a new website launch, and the creation of an agent support marketing services bureau. He was heavily involved in elevating the employee experience through a belief in a “people first” culture, and providing clarity around roles and responsibilities with performance metrics and incentive plans.

Jones served as the Vice President of Sales – The Americas for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, before joining Cadence Travel. In that role, he managed all sales activities for Four Seasons’ primary customer segments in the Americas, which included leisure and corporate travel, as well as groups and wholesale. Jones’ long and distinguished career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts includes positions with the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA, and the Pierre in New York City, as well as the Four Seasons Hotels in Atlanta and Newport Beach.

“Joining Travel Leaders Elite and the association with iconic brands like Tzell and Protravel is a privilege and an honor,” said Jones. Everything I have experienced in my career has led me to this opportunity of a lifetime. I look forward to working with Gail, her leadership team, and the legendary travel advisors who are the foundation of the Elite division.”

Travel Leaders Elite’s high-touch luxury agencies serve VIP leisure, entertainment and corporate clientele.

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About Travel Leaders Elite

Travel Leaders Elite is comprised of Andrew Harper Travel, Colletts Travel, Protravel International and Tzell Travel Group, four travel agencies within Travel Leaders Group that together provide white-glove concierge level care to their discerning, high-profile clients who span the worlds of entertainment, sports, and luxury leisure. The four agencies generate approximately $4 billion in annual sales volume through its more than 70 locations in the both the United States and the United Kingdom.