The Travel Agent Next Door Expands Senior Team

Toronto-based The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) has added two industry vets to its senior team ahead of the vice president of agent experience Penny Martin’s exit in August.

Journalists attending TTAND’s 10th-anniversary media luncheon on March 19 in Toronto were met with two new additions: Jeff Element and Chris Senior.

Element, the former president of The Travel Corporation Canada, joined the team in January as senior vice president of operations. He will be working closely with Martin to ensure “a smooth transition” when he officially takes over her duties this summer, according to president and founder Flemming Friisdahl.

Senior is stepping into the CFO role, having officially joined TTAND earlier this month. Another industry vet, he’s previously held finance positions with The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), TTI Travel, and HRG North America. 

TTAND announced last November that Martin–who helped build the Canadian host agency alongside Friisdahl–would be retiring from her role. 

“I am so fortunate that I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful people throughout my career.  It has been filled with unforgettable experiences, and I am immensely grateful for all of you who have been a part of it,” she said at the time. 

TTAND is currently celebrating its 10th year in operation. In 2023, the company posted over 1,200 agents and $412 million CAD in sales–records that 2024’s numbers are on track to break. 

“The first 10 years were great,” Friisdahl told press at the luncheon. “I think the next 10 years are going to be so amazing in the industry.”