Kerry Golds has been managing director of Abercrombie & Kent UK since February 2013. She is responsible for leading the tour and villas operations and the private-client division, including the Harrods retail boutique.
Kerry’s career in travel spans more than 35 years, with much of it spent at Travel 2, for whom she opened an office in Manchester at the age of 19. There she grew a small division into a team of more than 100. In 1997, she returned to London to take a seat on the Travel 2’s board. Kerry left the company in 2006 after two decades to move into the luxury sector, joining Western & Oriental as managing director, a role in which she merged and rebranded some 13 businesses into one.
Since joining Abercrombie & Kent as the UK’s managing director, Kerry has taken a seat on the group executive committee and has been responsible for double-digit revenue growth. She led the acquisition of Cox & Kings’ brand and assets in December 2019 and integrated them into the A&K family.
What is your vision for the business?
Right now, my focus is on nursing Abercrombie & Kent and Cox & Kings back to health after the devastating coronavirus crisis. In the longer term, my vision is to continue the legacy of A&K as a luxury travel leader. Our clients know us for the best-in-class holidays, and that’s a great source of pride to everyone at A&K. However, we never rest on our laurels, and we are continually innovating the customer experience from start to finish.
How have you led the company through the current Covid-19 crisis?
It’s been a challenge; there’s no denying that. We’ve been through revolutions, epidemics, and catastrophes, but the pandemic has been unique in its challenges. My focus has been on looking after my staff and our clients and partners.
And what do you see as the lasting impact of the pandemic on your business?
In the long term, I predict we’ll bounce back bigger and better: the pent-up demand for travel is monumental. But in the meantime, we’ll continue to negotiate the government’s ever-evolving rules and regulations.
What’s next for both you and the company?
In a single word: collaboration. While the pandemic continues to storm through the travel industry, we can increasingly come together to support each other. We’re starting relatively small with simple collaboration efforts that deliver results quickly, but as the industry recovers, we’ll be getting bigger and more innovative. Collaborations and partnerships are pillars for renewal, and we have exciting plans for the future – from new product, digital innovations and acquisitions. The pandemic has changed how competitors look at each other, who would have thought we would see that day that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic would work together?
What was your big break?
In the summer of 1984, when I was 16, I was looking to earn some cash before starting my A-Levels and spied a newspaper ad for a travel reservationist. It sounded exotic, selling holidays and working in the West End… I didn’t go back to do my A-Levels, much to my father’s disgust, but it was the right thing to do (and I’ve always been a bit of a rebel).
What inspires you?
I am constantly in awe of the power of positive tourism: how we can protect endangered places and impact the lives and livelihoods of the communities in which our guests travel for the better. During the pandemic, I became increasingly concerned for the communities in our destinations suffering so much without tourism income. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy came up with Move It May – a sponsored walking challenge in which our staff took part – supporting projects around the globe and connecting and reconnecting with our teams worldwide. Pictures and posts from Move It May made me smile every day.
What piece of advice would you give to someone wishing to work in the luxury sector?
Just be your true self. I appreciate an honest opinion and an open mind in both myself and others.
What would you be doing in a parallel life?
Before taking my summer job in travel, I was considering becoming a solicitor or barrister. I still find the law fascinating – its specificity, nuances, and interpretations.
What does British luxury mean to you?
For me, British luxury means authenticity and high levels of personalisation.
What’s your favourite luxury?
My mum and dad put a lot of onus on enjoying time as a family – it’s just one of the many lessons they taught me. Now that my sons are grown men, spending time with them is my favourite luxury, even if they only come on holiday with me when I pay now! When they were in their teens, we hiked a tricky trail in South America together. The pure luxury of device-free time with teenagers is indescribable and worth any hardship.
