Sola Thomson Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

London, Gb

London Area, United Kingdom

Driving growth at TravelDesk!- Commercial Growth Strategy- Forecasting & Pipeline Management- Cross-Departmental Collaboration- Client Engagement & Stakeholder Relations- Strategic Business Development- Industry Event Representation- Programmatic Solution Development

London Area, United Kingdom

Passionate about leading a collective of 15 members to diversifying the mindset of employees, employee representation, and retaining underrepresented staff at MMGY EMEA- Build and further integrate the company's DEI strategy and plans across EMEA.- Partner with EMEA senior leaders and HR/Recruiting team to provide expertise and consultation in DEI programs.- Provide leadership on best practices related to DEI development and training.- Facilitate monthly EMEA SubTeam… Show more Passionate about leading a collective of 15 members to diversifying the mindset of employees, employee representation, and retaining underrepresented staff at MMGY EMEA- Build and further integrate the company's DEI strategy and plans across EMEA.- Partner with EMEA senior leaders and HR/Recruiting team to provide expertise and consultation in DEI programs.- Provide leadership on best practices related to DEI development and training.- Facilitate monthly EMEA SubTeam meetings and maintain management of EMEA DEI budget Show less

London, England, United Kingdom

As an Account Director at MMGY Hills Balfour, my role was to strategically develop and implement integrated marketing activities to ensure the client’s overall objectives are met and exceeded. I also sit on the DEI Committee EMEA and am Acting Head of the Social Society EMEA. As Head of Trade, U.K. and Ireland for The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), I amplify Saudi Arabia as a leading travel destination in the U.K. and Ireland. Responsible for delivering marketing services to meet the… Show more As an Account Director at MMGY Hills Balfour, my role was to strategically develop and implement integrated marketing activities to ensure the client’s overall objectives are met and exceeded. I also sit on the DEI Committee EMEA and am Acting Head of the Social Society EMEA. As Head of Trade, U.K. and Ireland for The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), I amplify Saudi Arabia as a leading travel destination in the U.K. and Ireland. Responsible for delivering marketing services to meet the country’s global tourism development strategy, Saudi Vision 2030. Working primarily with the travel trade to build awareness, increase visitation and spend. Working collaboratively with other STA partners, stakeholders, and agencies to ensure that all in-market activity represents the STA in ways that support its mission and protects the organisation’s and country’s integrity and brand.My Key Skills and Knowledge includes:- A solutions-focused, “can do” and proactive attitude- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills- Excellent presentation and public speaking skills- 14 years of experience of managing destination marketing activities & budgets- Great organisation and time management skills with ability to work and thrive in a multi-tasked andfast-paced environment- Strong history of creativity in the workplace- Strong marketing background and travel trade contacts (particularly amongst trade specialising in Middle East, Africa & USA destinations)- Team player- Proficiencent in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint- A thorough understanding of MMGY Global's, mission statement and objectives, including the tourism board's I represent Show less

London, England, United Kingdom

LOTUS specialises in integrated communications and full trade and MICE representation for a diverse portfolio of travel, tourism, food and drink clients.I was responsible and fully accountable for the overall profitability, success and growth of my client portfolio and development of the team. I drive innovation in campaign creation, delivery and measurement for existing and new clients. I lead digital / social media marketing across the business, and act as the internal marketing… Show more LOTUS specialises in integrated communications and full trade and MICE representation for a diverse portfolio of travel, tourism, food and drink clients.I was responsible and fully accountable for the overall profitability, success and growth of my client portfolio and development of the team. I drive innovation in campaign creation, delivery and measurement for existing and new clients. I lead digital / social media marketing across the business, and act as the internal marketing director championing innovation and expertise in all campaigns. Clients included United States Department of Agriculture, Ambassador Cruise Line and Citalia.Responsibilities also include:· Creating and shaping innovative marketing campaigns working across multiple teams and disciplines· Creating innovative marketing campaigns for existing clients· Working closely with Head of Business Development to lead marketing campaigns · Seeking new brands for client partnerships across travel, food and drink· Adding value across the business with digital campaign management and working with influencers· Proactively participating in new business pitches· Leading LOTUS social media team of 6· Overseeing key accounts in order to deliver strategic digital, marketing & social media initiatives· Offering both proactive and reactive strategic client counsel· Being an internal specialist for marketing and social media· Involvement in external recruitment and talent spotting· Managing accounts, client relationships and large-scale cross-functional projects that consist of multiple work-streams and multiple clients· Playing a key leadership role in shaping the future of LOTUS and it's growth through strategic manage-ment decisions, business development initiatives, thought leadership and strategic planning. Show less

London, United Kingdom

I successfully sought an internal promotion to a senior managerial role where I define and execute all UK and Irish sales and marketing plans across a portfolio of international tourist board clients on a full and project basis for The Palm Beaches, Jerusalem, Jersey, Iceland, Finland and Kenya. I deliver and integrate online and offline marketing strategies, analyse data and manage a team of account executives. Through setting up strategic partnerships I generate brand awareness for clients… Show more I successfully sought an internal promotion to a senior managerial role where I define and execute all UK and Irish sales and marketing plans across a portfolio of international tourist board clients on a full and project basis for The Palm Beaches, Jerusalem, Jersey, Iceland, Finland and Kenya. I deliver and integrate online and offline marketing strategies, analyse data and manage a team of account executives. Through setting up strategic partnerships I generate brand awareness for clients, their partners and stakeholders, meeting their KPI’s within an agreed budget. As an extension of the tourist boards I also manage, liaise and effectively communicate with creative agencies, educate trade partners about each destination. I also created high impact events, sales missions and workshops for senior travel industry leaders and ministersAccomplishments• To grow Hills Balfour’s client portfolio, I identify new business opportunities and successfully win business• Successfully developed a complex multi-channel brand marketing campaign with an in-kind value worth £50,000 Show less

London, United Kingdom

I creatively drove destination awareness for tourism clients Graubünden, Tahiti Tourism, Trentino and USA Macerich Shopping Centers & Fashion Outlets. I did this by analysing UK data target markets, developing annual B2B and B2C marketing plans and campaigns. From liaising with multiple media outlets, organising familiarisation programmes and partners to maximising ROI, I also used a variety of channels to encourage and negotiate with tour operators to feature the destinations I promoted and… Show more I creatively drove destination awareness for tourism clients Graubünden, Tahiti Tourism, Trentino and USA Macerich Shopping Centers & Fashion Outlets. I did this by analysing UK data target markets, developing annual B2B and B2C marketing plans and campaigns. From liaising with multiple media outlets, organising familiarisation programmes and partners to maximising ROI, I also used a variety of channels to encourage and negotiate with tour operators to feature the destinations I promoted and increase their hotel product. Accomplishments• My ability to leverage strengths in cost-effective contracts and supplier negotiations meant the end of the financial year was 8% under-budget. Show less

Simultaneously managing multiple, events, sales and marketing projects for the tourist boards, New York State Division of Tourism and Hawaii Tourism Authority. Duties ranged from managing multiple partners on projects, direct marketing, campaign execution to negotiating and implementing exclusive tactical brand partnerships. Also, analysing the market and maintaining client satisfaction whilst, diligently and successfully, executing product launches which resulted in record-high marketing… Show more Simultaneously managing multiple, events, sales and marketing projects for the tourist boards, New York State Division of Tourism and Hawaii Tourism Authority. Duties ranged from managing multiple partners on projects, direct marketing, campaign execution to negotiating and implementing exclusive tactical brand partnerships. Also, analysing the market and maintaining client satisfaction whilst, diligently and successfully, executing product launches which resulted in record-high marketing campaign response rates.Accomplishment• Having to be extremely organised, I used strong influencing skills to manage the Hawaii Tourism Authority project with National Geographic Traveller Magazine and a tour operator, on a negotiated match fund contribution basis. This resulted in the destination being featured on posters across the London Underground and numerous full-page advertorials in the magazine. The B2B and B2C activities dramatically enhanced the visibility and passenger numbers to Hawaii, with an increase of 18% YOY. Show less

London, United Kingdom

Senior Account Executive, January 2013 – August 2014Account Executive, December 2011 – January 2013Eyes2Market - www.eyes2market.com, LondonSupported on events, sales and marketing matters for The Grenada Tourism Authority and Middle Eastern client, The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. This involved my attendance at roadshows and establishing partnerships with existing and new tour operators, partners and airlines. This also facilitated my organisation of… Show more Senior Account Executive, January 2013 – August 2014Account Executive, December 2011 – January 2013Eyes2Market - www.eyes2market.com, LondonSupported on events, sales and marketing matters for The Grenada Tourism Authority and Middle Eastern client, The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. This involved my attendance at roadshows and establishing partnerships with existing and new tour operators, partners and airlines. This also facilitated my organisation of events and familiarisation trips. Accomplishment• I found a creative way to increase the number of UK visitors to Grenada in the 20-40 age group whilst working alongside British Airways in a joint promotion. The target was met by reducing flights to Grenada and using the popular Stylist magazine to promote the campaign. This was the first-time augmented reality had been used for a tourism campaign in the UK. The promotion received huge PR interest and the results exceeded the targets set by Grenada Tourism and BA. Show less

I provided a specialist service whilst working for a dynamic luxury tailor-made tour operator. I was responsible for:• Making reservations and converting enquiries into bookings to exclusive hotels & resorts• Creating tailor-made itineraries• Providing expert personalised service and the highest standard of customer service• Using computerised reservation systems, MS Office, airline & hotel contracts • Cultural versatility • Customer satisfaction… Show more I provided a specialist service whilst working for a dynamic luxury tailor-made tour operator. I was responsible for:• Making reservations and converting enquiries into bookings to exclusive hotels & resorts• Creating tailor-made itineraries• Providing expert personalised service and the highest standard of customer service• Using computerised reservation systems, MS Office, airline & hotel contracts • Cultural versatility • Customer satisfaction Accomplishment:• Representing Emirates Holidays on familiarisation trips to Dubai and Australia. Show less

Here I worked for a luxury tour operator, where my responsibilities involved:• Gaining knowledge on featured destinations, including the wonders of the world• Selling a variety of river cruises, luxury long and short haul holidays• Booking clients on cultural & guided tours • Using Galileo to book flights and ancillary services • Corresponding with overseas agentsAccomplishment:• Created a dynamic portal to transform a previously archaic system to improve… Show more Here I worked for a luxury tour operator, where my responsibilities involved:• Gaining knowledge on featured destinations, including the wonders of the world• Selling a variety of river cruises, luxury long and short haul holidays• Booking clients on cultural & guided tours • Using Galileo to book flights and ancillary services • Corresponding with overseas agentsAccomplishment:• Created a dynamic portal to transform a previously archaic system to improve communication flow. Show less