Melissa Krueger is stepping down as CEO of Classic Vacations, ending a 13-year run at the luxury wholesaler that included the last five years at the top. Sharon Conway, the company's chief financial officer and a two-decade Classic veteran, takes over as interim CEO effective immediately.
Krueger joined Classic in 2013 as director of sales after nearly a decade at Travel Impressions, climbing to vice president and general manager of the company's Groups division before being named CEO effective February 1, 2022, succeeding David Hu, who had led the company for 13 years. Her tenure spanned two ownership changes: The Najafi Companies' 2021 purchase of Classic from Expedia Group and, most recently, India-based travel distribution platform TBO's acquisition of the company, a deal valued at $125 million that closed October 1 of last year.
Her exit lands roughly a year into the TBO era, a stretch the company characterizes as one of growth. Classic points to a built-out sales organization, continued spending on technology and the advisor experience, a wider destination lineup, and early groundwork for expanding its luxury product into new markets. The tie-up with its parent has also given Classic access to TBO's technology and global resources while the wholesaler keeps running under its own brand.
“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,” said Gaurav Bhatnagar, co-founder and joint managing director of TBO. “As Classic enters its next chapter, Sharon is exceptionally well positioned to provide continuity while building on the momentum already created. Her understanding of the business, and combination of strategic, operational and financial expertise make her a natural leader for this moment.”
Conway's remit as CFO has reached beyond the balance sheet, according to the company, extending into strategy, major business decisions, and relationships across Classic's executive team, advisor community, and supplier partners. She has also helped steer the company through its recent ownership transitions.
“Having spent 20 years at Classic Vacations, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this company special: our people, the trust we’ve built with Travel Advisors, our consortia partners and across the industry, and the level of service we bring to every relationship,” said Conway. “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.”
The company says the transition changes nothing about its strategic direction or day-to-day operations: existing agreements and programs with advisors, suppliers, and consortia partners stand, and points of contact stay the same. Classic has not set a timeline for naming a permanent CEO, saying it is taking a deliberate approach to its longer-term leadership structure while Conway focuses on momentum, internal teams, and partner engagement.
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