Hotels & More has announced the creation of a new group chief executive role with the appointment of Paul Maine.

He will take up the position on September 6th.

Maine will lead the newly named Tour Partner Group, the holding company for Hotels & More, Irish Welcome Tours and Authentic Vacations.

The board of the company has also announced Karin Urban, managing director of Hotels & More, will transition to non-executive director of the board of Tour Partner Group, with Maine assuming executive responsibilities for Hotels & More from September.

Maine joins from STA Travel, the world’s largest student and youth travel agency, where for the last four years he was chief commercial officer for the group, with responsibilities including global partnerships, product development and subsidiaries.

Prior to STA Travel, he worked for several companies, including eight years at Delta Air Lines in various international commercial roles.

The establishment of Tour Partner Group marks a significant milestone in the growth of the business, as it expands its portfolio of brands and strengthens its market leading position as a destination management company in the UK and Ireland.

The businesses of Tour Partner Group will continue to operate under their own brands and be independently led, benefitting from the efficiencies of a shared group infrastructure to strengthen operations, enhance capabilities and support an expanded geographical footprint.

Mark Mayhew, chairman of Tour Partner Group, commented: “Karin has been a terrific leader for the business, having accomplished so much for Hotels & More, and I would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication to date.

“I am delighted we will continue to benefit from her experience as she moves into her new role as a non-executive director.”