Dave Thompson – Managing Director

Dave started working in the marine travel industry in 1977 in Liverpool with its famous maritime traditions. Having worked in the travel sector for a number of travel agents over the years, Dave decided to set-up Chartham Marine Limited in Canterbury after commuting to London for over 10 years. Dave says ‘Marine Travel is now entering an exciting phase of growth for the company, which we are all looking forward to’.

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Claire Hewitt – Finance and Administration Director

Claire joined Marine Travel in 2007 as an Accounts Assistant.  Over the years she has had several roles within the accounts department and is now our Finance and Administration Director.   Using her years of experience in the sector she understands the unique administrative requirements our customers have and leads the accounts team to ensure that our customers receive tailored accounting solutions.  She is also responsible for finalizing the monthly and yearly management accounts for all our branches.

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Ian Thurston – Director of Operations

Ian has been part of the Marine Travel team since 2007. Taking 6 months out to travel to The Far East, Ian then assisted our new team in Manila for the first month of opening. Coming from a corporate travel background Ian has gained excellent knowledge of marine fares, routes and ticketing and enjoys the challenges that marine travel can bring.

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Neil Payne – Reservations Supervisor – UK

Neil joined our team in  2019 and was promoted to Reservations Supervisor UK in 2023. In this position, Neil will be working closely with all new staff members joining our reservation team, providing them with the essential skills and support needed to excel in their roles.

With a strong commercial and sales background in travel, Neil brings with him years of expertise gained from working in various sectors including airlines, business and leisure travel, and now the maritime industry. His diverse experience and in-depth knowledge make him a valuable addition to our team.

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Rhose Edquibal – Reservations Manager – Manila

Rhose was our first staff member to join the team in our Manila office when it opened in May 2013.  Rhose brings a wealth of experience to our team, having started her career in travel and worked as a customer service agent for various travel companies.

Over the years, Rhose has developed her skills and knowledge in the maritime sector and has become an integral part of our team. She is dedicated to supporting all new employees through the training process, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in their roles.

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