With over 30 years of experience, Brian Young’s career in the travel sector has taken him from a bright-eyed 19 year old club rep, working for Club 18-30 to Managing Director of G Adventures across the EMEA region.

Young joined the global adventure operator in March 2015, inspired by its purpose-driven business model, ambitious growth strategy and reputation as a ‘30 year old start up’. His role sees him lead a team of talented individuals across the UK, Europe, South Africa and the Middle East, overseeing sales, marketing, revenue management, talent, product and operations. 

 A senior member of the travel industry and passionate about raising the profile and changing perceptions around the touring and adventure sector, Young took on the role of Chairman at ATAS (Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers) in 2020. He has represented the sector, speaking at numerous industry events including World Travel Market in London and ITB in Berlin.

Young started his career as a rep for Club 18-30, rising to management level quickly, running the operations across Mallorca where he learnt the importance of a people-first management approach. His career continued overseas, seeing him work for businesses including Owners Abroad and First Choice, before progressing to Regional Manager for Spain for Inspirations and Thomas Cook, managing over 500 staff. He returned to the UK to take on the role of Overseas Director for  Cosmos in 2000.

Brian’s entrepreneurial flair saw him launch his own business in 2005, founding On Holiday Group with three other partners, growing the start up to a £650 million turnover business. His taste for business continued as he went on to establish Magic Rooms, a bed bank business, which reached an impressive £30 million turnover in its first year.  

 A passionate leader, Brian lives by the mantra ‘You’re only as good as the team around you’, and works closely to celebrate happiness, freedom and hard work among his team. He has provided mentorship to many in the industry beyond G Adventures and is focused on growing his team with diversity and inclusion front of mind.

An enthusiastic foodie, with a love for dishes cooked over open fires or coal, Brian is happiest with a pair of tongs in hand, surrounded by family and friends. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for local communities, Brian has discovered a new-found love of hiking and can often be found on Box Hill with his dog, Poppy.