From Tour Leader to Topdeck Travel’s Global General Manager

Topdeck Travel Appoints Charles Knowlton as Global General Manager

 

June 11,  2019: Youth Travel Experts, Topdeck Travel, have announced the promotion of Charles Knowlton to Global General Manager. Until recently, Knowlton was the General Manager Tour Operations North America, Australia and New Zealand, leading the team and setting a clear strategic path for operations in these destinations.

 

Global Managing Director Janine Salame says on his appointment “We’re extremely excited and proud to have Charles as part of our Global Leadership Team and look forward to his continued leadership and passion for the Topdeck brand, taking it to new heights.

 

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charles since 2015, a truly humble, consistent and authentic leader who believes in the betterment of his people and their growth. Charles has earned respect and credibility at all levels of the business, and across the globe within the North America, UK, and Australian teams.”

 

Knowlton has had an impressive fifteen-year career in the travel and touring sector beginning his journey in 2004 as a Trip Leader, guiding customers through national parks across the US.

 

In 2012, he relocated to London to become Topdeck’s Business Development Manager, was quickly promoted to International Sales Manager, and eventually took on a role as Brand Manager in 2013, where he played a pivotal role in launching Topdeck’s North America program.

 

In 2016, Topdeck made the move to operate directly in North America and took Knowlton on the journey, appointing him as General Manager Tour Operations for the region. After two successful seasons managingin-market operations relationships, Knowlton became Topdeck’s General Manager Tour Operations for both North America and Australia/New Zealand.

 

On his appointment Charles Knowlton said, “I’m thrilled to take on the role of Global General Manager for Topdeck Travel. The history and purpose of the brand is something that has always resonated with me, the people and culture at Topdeck are second to none.

 

I see tremendous potential for Topdeck. My goal is to lead the brand in a way that inspires, empowers and serves others within the organization so that our culture thrives, and Topdeck flourishes.”

 

Charles Knowlton will officially commence his new role as Global General Manager on Monday, June 10^th 2019, with the intention to relocate from his base in Santa Monica to Topdeck’s head office in London in July 2019.

 

 

About Topdeck:

 

Topdeck is the number one provider of epic, organized group trips for 18-30 somethings. Founded in 1973 by friends with a double decker bus and a passion for adventure, Topdeck has grown to offer the most authentic, planned trips spanning Europe, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, North America, Africa and the Middle East. Topdeckers from around the world enjoy a travel experience led by fun, knowledgeable trip leaders, steeped in history, which retains the company’s original sense of adventure combined with authenticity, friendship and great stories to share.