To better unify host agency Travel Planners International and sister franchisor company Vacation Planners, Jenn Lee has been named president and chief marketing officer of both companies.
Jenn Lee
When Vacation Planners launched last March, Lee was named president of Vacation Planners, moving from her previous role as Travel Planners' vice president of industry engagement and support. Now she will have leadership roles at both companies.
Travel Planners president Ken Gagliano moves into the role of CEO of both brands, while COO Tony Gagliano Jr. adds the title of chairman of both brands.
Travel Planners' former senior vice president, Erwing Hernandez, has departed the organization.
No other organizational changes have been made, with Pam Scott heading preferred partner relationships as vice president of partner relations and marketing and Dave Meihoefer in the role of vice president of sales and engagement, leading initiatives focused on advisor success.
After the launch of Vacation Planners last March, there has been some brand confusion among suppliers and advisors, Lee said, and the leadership changes solidify the "one family, two brands" approach. It also ensures continuity of both brands' culture, messaging, vision and shared services, Lee said.
"Our messaging is, 'Sell travel your way,'" Lee said. "If you're dedicated to your brand, your business, your identity, the host agency model is here for you. If you want to focus mostly on selling, scaling your business and making an impact in your local community, the franchise business model works out great for you."
The restructuring also comes after the August 2024 death of Tony Gagliano Sr., who founded Travel Planners International in 1988.
Vacation Planners currently has four franchisees, Lee said. The franchisor plans to launch a national campaign.
"It's moving right along," Lee said. "But it's important that as we move forward with both organizations, there's some continuity and some consistency."