Ailsa Pollard has over 25 years’ experience in strategy, M&A, and leading businesses in tourism and leisure, and has lived in the UK, New York and Dubai. She is currently CEO of dnata Travel UK, a portfolio comprising of Gold Medal Group, Travel Republic, Travelbag and Netflights – she has led the successful navigation through Covid for the travel portfolio to emerge stronger, as well as being a champion of DE&I initiatives across the businesses.

Previously Ailsa headed up Emirates Holidays globally covering 36 markets. She is on the board of ABTA and Imagine Cruising. She holds an MBA from London Business School and is a qualified Chartered Director (IOD).  She has three daughters and enjoys travel, cooking and paddle tennis in her spare time.