Travel industry entrepreneur Dick Porter takes the helm at hetras
hetras, the developer of cloud-based hotel management software, announced today the appointment of
Dick Porter as the new Chairman of the Board, thus completing a six month search.
Dick is a co-founder of STA Travel, one of the world's leading travel companies. Founded in 1979, STA Travel has continued to advise young people on holidays and adventures abroad, offering a unique range of flights, accommodation, tours and expeditions in 90 countries.
Dick managed STA Travel as Director and CEO until 2007 and continued to serve as a Director of the STA Travel Group until June 2011.
In addition to his long-standing relationship with STA Travel, Dick is also the Chairman of Griffin Global Holdco Ltd, the private equity backed leading travel specialist for the marine and offshore industries; Director of Digital Visitor, creators of the social media platform Visitor Review; Chairman and investor in Top Deck Tours Ltd, a youth tour operator operating in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; an advisor and investor in three European on-line ventures; Chairman of the British Educational Travel Association (BETA), the professional association representing the youth, student and educational travel sector; and Director and adviser to other companies and tertiary education institutions reflecting his private interests.
Mentor with a Track Record
Michael Heinze, hetras CEO and founder, commented: “We are extremely pleased that we could attract Dick to hetras. We had interest from some outstanding candidates, but Dick has the right combination of entrepreneurial wisdom, travel industry insights, and a no-nonsense approach to getting things done. Besides that, every company Dick works with turns into a huge success. We expect hetras will be no exception.”
Rewriting the Rules
“I was intrigued by hetras from the moment I first heard about the company,” explains Dick. “I like to be part of a company that is rewriting the rules in an established industry and hetras fits this description well. I also look forward to working with the excellent hetras management team and high caliber board members.” Dick Porter joins Olaf Jacobi, Mac Smith, Dean Jacobs and Mark Gracey on the hetras board.
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