Ex-Eurostar chief in leisure move

James Villa Holidays has appointed former Eurostar marketer Joanna Howard to the newly created position of sales and marketing director.

Howard left her role as head of marketing at Eurostar in February (MW February 19) for an unknown position. Previously, managing director Darren Needham handled the marketing for James Villa Holidays.

Howard is overseeing a new outdoor campaign for the independent holiday villa company. It breaks later this month and is designed to promote affordable pricing and a “not just for families” message. The campaign has been created by Smarter Communications and has the strapline “You never forget your first time”. It will be supported by radio, press and direct marketing activity.

James Villa Holidays stepped in to sign a sponsorship deal with ITV1’s Today With Des And Mel for 16 weeks in January when talks with former sponsor Ken Hom’s Oriental Food range collapsed. The &£450,000 deal was negotiated by ARM Direct with Carlton.

Howard joined Eurostar as a marketing manager in 2003 and is a former group brand manager for GlaxoSmithKline Nutritional Healthcare and brand manager for Sugar Puffs at Quaker Oats.