Wendy Wu gm departs

WENDY Wu Tours’ London- based global ceo Joe Karbo is set to relocate back to Australia to run the business, after the resignation of general manager Steve Richards.

The company today confirmed Richards, who joined Wendy Wu last year from his former role at Best Western ( TD 12 Dec), had stepped aside to prioritise family obligations over the demanding role.

Karbo told TD he would be basing himself in Sydney for the next 12 months “to ensure we continue to remain strong with our trade partners”.

“We respect Steve’s decision to leave for family reasons and wish him all the best for the future,” Karbo said.

“I’m fortunate to have worked extensively with our valued trade partners for many years and have a strong and experienced senior leadership team here, so it will be business as usual.”

Richards said he was grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the Australian business.

“In 2018, the company achieved its strongest growth in recent years and I am thrilled to have been a part of that journey,” Richards said.

“I’m leaving the business in order to spend more time with my young family.”

The company’s founder and chairwoman Wendy Wu highlighted the company’s long- term trajectory, including under past gm Alan Alcock who led the business for 13 years.

“After Alan’s well deserved retirement, the company has brought in great people to continue to grow the business,” she said.

“It’s been exciting times and the journey continues.”