Saga Travel, specialising in travel, products and services for over 50s, has appointed Nick Stace as its new CEO.

Currently the company’s chief strategy officer, Stace will take up the role immediately, overseeing Saga’s Cruise and Tours businesses. He replaces Robin Shaw who left Saga back in June.

Nick will retain his responsibility for strategy, along with focusing on ensuring a safe return to service for the cruise line – as soon as government restrictions are lifted.

In his current role as chief strategy officer, Stace has been leading Saga’s work with the government and all other relevant authorities to ensure the best travel protocols in a world post-Covid-19.

Before joining the company, he held a series of senior leadership roles across charities, consumer-facing organisations and financial services – as well as in regulation.

Nick joined Saga from The Prince’s Trust where he was CEO, before that being CEO of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and CEO of Choice, Australia’s largest consumer campaigner and publisher.

Saga Group chief executive officer, Euan Sutherland, said:

“I am delighted that Nick is moving to head our Travel business after successfully driving our strategic reset.

“With a new strategy in place and a significantly enhanced financial position, we see a wealth of opportunities ahead of us as we position Saga to deliver sustainable growth and create significant long-term value.

“Nick brings a wealth of experience that will be invaluable for the next phase of development of our Travel business.

Discussing his promotion, new Saga Travel CEO Nick Stace said:

“My number one priority in my new role is ensuring that our travel businesses are ready to provide exceptional experiences to our customers when the current restrictions are lifted.

“We know that the demand is there, because our customers are enthusiastically re-booking in both Cruise and Tours and we have worked to ensure we have detailed, industry-leading procedures ready for a Covid world.”

Saga Cruises is planning to restart operations in 2021, launching its new ship Spirit of Adventure.