Tony Walker Joins Hornblower Group as Senior Vice President
Hornblower Group has announced a significant addition to its executive team with the appointment of Tony Walker as Senior Vice President of Sales. Reporting directly to CEO Mike Flaskey, Walker will oversee global sales activities spanning Hornblower's broad range of water and land-based experiences.
Transforming Sales Efforts
In this pivotal role, Tony Walker is tasked with the transformation of the current global sales teams into a cohesive, high-performing unit. His leadership is expected to enhance the efficiency and performance of Hornblower's sales strategies, driving growth across the company’s diverse offerings.
A Proven Track Record in the Industry
Tony Walker brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Diamond Resorts, where he served as EVP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. During his decade-long tenure at Diamond, he led remarkable growth in revenue—achieving an impressive 50 percent increase. Walker also played a crucial role in overseeing two acquisitions and the opening of eight new sales offices, thereby expanding the company’s reach and customer base.
Effective Leadership and Vision
With a remarkable history of managing a diverse workforce of over 2,000 employees across 36 sales offices in 10 countries, Walker has demonstrated his capability in handling substantial annual revenue, surpassing $1 billion. His extensive understanding of the hospitality industry equips him well to meet the challenges and opportunities at Hornblower Group.
Walker’s Enthusiasm for the Team
“I am thrilled to join the incredible sales team at Hornblower Group,” Walker shared. “We have a strong foundation to build on, and I look forward to collaborating with teams across Hornblower as we not only support our overall business strategy but also explore innovative ways to expand on our current success.”
Strategic Growth Initiatives
CEO Mike Flaskey has expressed confidence in Walker’s capabilities. Flaskey noted, “Tony's deep knowledge of the hospitality sector and his experience in leading large-scale, global sales operations will be a tremendous asset to our executive team and the company overall.” He believes that Walker’s contributions will be vital in positioning Hornblower as a leader in the experiences and transportation sectors.
Enhancing the Executive Team
In addition to Walker’s appointment, Hornblower Group has also recently named Michelle Mason as the new Chief People Officer. This move underlines the company's dedication to building a robust executive team under Flaskey’s leadership, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and corporate culture.
About Hornblower Group
Hornblower Group is recognized as a global leader in experiences and transportation services, boasting a remarkable history that spans over a century. The company’s portfolio includes international offerings like dining and sightseeing cruises along with land-based experiences such as walking tours and food tours. Its premier division, City Experiences, offers these experiences alongside ferry and transportation services. Meanwhile, Hornblower Marine, a subsidiary, facilitates vessel maintenance and services. With operations spread across a dozen countries and over 50 U.S. cities, Hornblower serves more than 20 million guests annually and has secured its position as a dominant force in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tony Walker?
Tony Walker is the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Sales for Hornblower Group, bringing extensive experience from his previous role at Diamond Resorts.
What will Tony Walker's role entail?
Walker will lead global sales initiatives and work on transforming the existing sales teams into a high-performing unit.
What is Hornblower Group known for?
Hornblower Group is known for providing a wide range of experiences and transportation services, including both water and land-based activities.
What achievements did Tony Walker have at Diamond Resorts?
While at Diamond Resorts, Walker oversaw a significant growth in revenue and was instrumental in opening new sales offices and completing acquisitions.
How does Hornblower Group plan to grow?
Through the expertise of leaders like Tony Walker and a focus on integrated sales strategies, Hornblower Group aims to enhance its market presence and operational efficiency.