There’s lots of news from TTI Travel this morning, including the retirement of Barb Finn, VP Leisure and New Talent Development, after a 50-year career.

In the wake of Finn’s departure, TTI has announced that Kim Cross, Director, Leisure Operations, will now oversee Away, TTI’s luxury leisure brand. She will also oversee ‘The Circle,’ the company’s community of best-in-class Independent Travel Advisors.

“Kim has many years of experience in different facets of the travel industry but what sets her apart is her dedicated work ethic, wanting our Independent Travel Advisors and support staff to be successful and to be able to work as efficiently as possible,” said CEO Rocky Racco.

On Finn’s retirement, Racco said: “I first met Barb, over 35 years ago, when she was the Operations Manager and co-owner of her husband’s travel Management Company called ‘Travel Trust International.’ They went on to create a National consortium that I became part of. The TMC and Consortium were industry leaders and from there many folks spun off to create their own business paths across Canada.”

Racco added that Finn had “a very well-rounded career,” with roles in operations, sales and marketing, Meetings & Incentives, brand & destination representation, and boutique luxury agencies. “During her journey she has touched many folks with her bright smile and witty humor and has always put her best foot forward,” Racco said.

TTI says it is seeing increased demand from a growing luxury travel clientele, and has hired several “very tenured Travel Advisors with a proven track record of servicing many high value clients.”

The new hires include: Marc Villeneuve, Vince Mazet, Christiane Marleau, Maria Maestri and Mary Ann Jordan.