Classic Vacations Names Sharon Conway Interim CEO as Melissa Krueger Departs
The longtime CFO takes over immediately after Krueger’s departure; Classic says existing advisor agreements and contacts remain unchanged.
Photo: Luke McKeown / Unsplash
Classic Vacations has named longtime chief financial officer Sharon Conway interim CEO after Melissa Krueger departed, following 13 years with the company, including five as chief executive. The change took effect immediately, Classic Vacations announced September 14.
Conway has worked at Classic Vacations for 20 years. As CFO, she has helped guide company strategy and major business decisions through changes in ownership, according to the company. Classic has not announced a timeline for choosing a permanent CEO.
The transition comes about a year after Classic Vacations became part of travel distribution company TBO. During that time, Classic says it expanded its sales organization and destination portfolio, invested in technology, and began preparing to bring its luxury travel offering to new markets. The company did not say why Krueger left.
“Melissa has made an extraordinary contribution to Classic Vacations over the past 13 years, and we are deeply grateful for the leadership, commitment and passion she has brought to the business,” Gaurav Bhatnagar, TBO’s co-founder and joint managing director, said in the announcement.
The company says its day-to-day operations and strategic direction will continue as planned. Existing agreements, programs and commitments to advisors, suppliers and consortia partners will be honored, and teams and points of contact will remain the same.
Conway said her immediate priorities include listening to employees and partners and staying close to the needs of the advisor community. “As I step into this role, I’m focused on listening closely to our teams and partners, staying connected to the needs of our advisor community and ensuring we continue delivering the experience they have come to expect from Classic.”
Founded as Classic Hawaii in 1978, the company now arranges luxury travel across hundreds of destinations, including hotels, flights, experiences and other services. While Conway leads the business on an interim basis, Classic Vacations says it will consider its longer-term leadership structure.
