Hays Travel founder dies ‘doing job he loved’
‘He was held in immense respect and was recognised throughout his life for his many achievements’
JOHN HAYS, the co-founder of Hays Travel, died yesterday aged 71 after collapsing at the company’s head office in Sunderland.
He founded the travel firm in 1980 with his wife Irene Hays.
In October 2019, Hays Travel bought the failed Thomas Cook, saving the jobs of thousands of workers. It now has more than 7,000 staff.
The company said: “It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce that John Hays, the founder and managing director of Hays Travel, died today while doing the job he loved.”
It added that Mr Hays did “everything in his power to save jobs and protect the travel industry” throughout the past year.
“He was held in immense respect by his staff, colleagues, family and friends and was recognised throughout his life for his many achievements,” it said.
Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel trade organisation Abta, said yesterday: “We were shocked and saddened to hear this afternoon’s news that John Hays has passed away.
“John was a major figure in the travel industry over many years, and created one of the industry’s most successful companies.
“Hays Travel is a l ongstanding Abta member, and John was known to many of us.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with his wife Irene and his family, colleagues and friends at this very sad time.”
Mr Hays was a former vice-chairman of Sunderland AFC, and was awarded the freedom of the city in 2016.