Following our acquisition of VCK Travel at the start of this year, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Gray Dawes Group COO, Dave Bishop, as Managing Director of our Netherlands-based operation.
After a period of impressive growth and development, VCK Travel proudly announces a change in leadership within the company.
As of May 1, 2024, Ed Berrevoets will step down as director, and Dave Bishop will assume the role of Managing Director, with the aim of continuing VCK Travel’s growth as part of the Gray Dawes Group.
Ed has made a lasting impression on VCK Travel as Managing Director. With his leadership and dedication, the company has become a leading player in the fields of business travel, marine travel, and government travel. Under his guidance, VCK Travel has solidified its position as a prominent player distinguished by transparent and innovative services with a personal touch.
This decision marks a crucial milestone following the acquisition by Gray Dawes Travel in January 2024. After nearly twenty years of leading the company with energy and dedication, Ed has decided to retire from VCK Travel. This decision has been carefully made in consultation with the Works Council and with Gray Dawes. Ed will continue to support the company until he retires on June 30, 2024.
Reflecting on a rich history with many highlights and challenges, Ed emphasizes the importance of looking ahead.
“Now that we have recovered from the effects of the pandemic, it is time to refocus on the future,” he says. “We are excited to chart a new course together with Gray Dawes, and we are confident that Dave Bishop will successfully lead the company in this next phase.”
VCK Travel Managing Director: Ed Berrevoets
Dave Bishop brings 25 years of executive experience in finance, sales, technology and commercial to his new role. He is currently Chief Operating Officer of Gray Dawes, positioning him excellently to continue VCK Travel’s success. His determination, strategic insight, and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead in this exciting new phase of the company.
Gray Dawes COO and now MD of our Netherland operation, VCK Travel: Dave Bishop
“I am honoured and excited to accept the role of Managing Director of VCK Travel,” says Dave. “We are immensely grateful to Ed for his dedication, vision, and leadership during his tenure. I now look forward to a seamless transition of VCK into the Gray Dawes Group, a successful next phase for our Netherlands operation and an exciting future for our European clients.”
Commenting on the announcement, Gray Dawes Group CEO, Suzanne Horner, said “Gray Dawes’ expansion into Europe is incredibly exciting. It represents the next step in our global growth plan and closes the circle on our unique service delivery strategy.” Suzanne continues. “Out of hours, for example, is simply no longer a thing for Gray Dawes; we are now ALWAYS ON – there for our clients, where they need us, when they need us. And with a shared technology platform across the entire Gray Dawes operation, our clients will enjoy a seamless personal service as we follow the sun around the globe from the UK and Europe to America, to Australia and back to Europe.”
In conclusion, Dave commented, “As an integral part of the Gray Dawes Group, I look forward to building on VCK Travel’s impressive success and collaborating with the talented team in the Netherlands to achieve our ambitious goals.”
About VCK Travel
VCK Travel is a Dutch corporate travel agency with four offices spread across the country, providing travel solutions for businesses. With an annual turnover of €220 million, VCK Travel is one of the market leaders in the Netherlands in Marine Travel, Government Travel, and Business Travel. Founded in 1947, VCK Travel was the first in the Netherlands to obtain the IATA license.
In addition to being a trusted partner in corporate travel, VCK Travel is also a leading player in crew changes for the maritime, offshore, and energy sectors. Thanks to its decades of experience and being the largest provider in these sectors, VCK Travel ensured that its clients’ operations could continue during lockdowns, minimising the impact as much as possible.
VCK Travel is an open culture company with honest and clear communication to both clients and employees. Transparency and integrity in their approach take precedence, with The Personal Touch serving as the foundation. VCK Travel always aims to provide tailor-made services, which is the guiding principle within the organisation, both internally and externally. VCK Travel distinguishes itself through a personal and transparent approach in its client relationships.
The company consistently implements innovative techniques to better serve its clients. In addition to ISO certifications 9001 and 14001 for quality and environmental standards, VCK Travel is the only company in the Netherlands to hold both ISO 27001 and 27701 certifications, emphasizing the paramount importance the company places on data security and privacy.
Business morality
VCK Travel add a personal note to everything they do. They continuously adjust their service provision to their clients’ operational and financial preferences. This also explains why VCK Travel has chosen to work from regional offices throughout the Netherlands. Rather than consolidating our services from one head office – which is the way most TMCs operate – VCK have deliberately chosen to be closer to our clients.
Ethically Responsible
The organisation has an inclusive work environment where everyone can be themselves and belong. They maintain a zero tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination and corruption. VCK work with a VOG (certificate of conduct) for all employees, both at management and administrative level.
Integrity, Trust and Reliability
Everyone employed by VCK Travel must comply with their Code of Conduct, which is based on core values of morality, ethics and integrity. VCK adheres to the IAO standards and fully embraces the UN Code of Conduct. This forms the foundation of their transparent way of working.
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