Apple Vacations Names John Tarkowski New President

John Tarkowski, a 14-year veteran of Apple Vacations, was named the company’s new president, parent company Apple Leisure Group (ALG) announced Tuesday. 

Tarkowski will take the helm beginning Jan. 1, 2019, replacing Tim Mullen, who last month announced plans to retire at the end of the year.

“I’ve always been a strong advocate for travel advisors as has Apple Vacations,” Tarkowski told TMR. “We will continue to reflect this core belief moving forward. Apple Vacations offers the products, tools, and support travel advisors need to compete with the large OTAs and we will continue to look for new, innovative ways to embrace and empower the retail sector.”

Mullen, who had served as the president of Apple since January 2015, after working as co-president for more than 25 years prior, stayed on to assist Apple Vacations in a transitionary role.

“John has been a fixture at Apple Vacations since 2004,” said Apple’s exiting president Tim Mullen. “His passion and dedication have had a profound impact on our relationships with the retail sector. As the next president of Apple Vacations, he will ensure that travel agents continue to be a central part of our core strategy. Ensuring that Apple Vacations is in good hands has been of the utmost personal importance and I cannot imagine a more qualified individual to take the reins.” 

Tarkowski will continue to serve in his current capacity as senior vice president of sales at ALG, overseeing the combined sales team, through the remainder of the year. He was promoted to the role from vice president of planning and sales development at Apple Vacations following the company’s acquisition of Mark Travel Group. 

He joined Apple Vacations in 2004, prior to which he held various positions at The Mark Travel Corporation dating back to 1993.