Lowestoft-based Hoseasons, has appointed Simon Altham as its new managing director.

Mr Altham, who has been with the firm in a variety of roles for the last eight years, will run the Hoseasons business in Lowestoft, while his new responsibilities will include overseeing the on-going growth of the UK portfolio, travel trade relationships, contact centre operations and new product development.

The new appointment at Hoseasons, an EDP Top 100 firm, follows the decision by the current managing director, Pali Badwal, to take a new role as managing director for RCI India, part of the wider Wyndham Worldwide group, which bought Hoseasons in 2010.

Last year Hoseasons launched a £1m national advertising campaign for the 2013 season, focusing entirely on Norfolk scenes as part of a drive to celebrate the best of what the county can offer holiday-makers, and it is thought the new boss, who was previously commercial director, is keen to support the Broads holiday side of the business.

'This is a great opportunity and there is still enormous potential,' Mr Altham said.

'Since I joined the company we've been through a lot of change, from the rebirth of UK holidays to becoming part of a global leisure business,' he said. 'Throughout this the Hoseasons brand has grown and developed and has remained one of the best recognised UK holiday businesses in the travel trade and amongst consumers.

'My focus in the short-term is going to be on making sure consumers have as many reasons as possible to holiday in the UK with Hoseasons this year,' he added. 'Long term our aim is to ensure that Hoseasons plays a big role in championing domestic tourism and ensure that, as a sector, we innovate and stay on top of consumer expectation. If we can do this both the tourism industry, and the business can be a real success. Finally the Broads is a real passion of mine and I think it's still relatively undiscovered and has enormous potential to grow as a destination – I want to work boatyard owners, tourism bodies and business to make it a real success.'

Geoff Cowley, managing director of The Hoseasons Group, said: 'I'm delighted to have appointed Simon to the role, as I know he has the specific expertise, owner relationships and industry experience to help the business grow and provide consumers with great UK holidays.

'I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank Pali for his hard work and efforts. He's been instrumental in the development of the business over the last few years, and it's an exciting development for him and his family,' said Mr Cowley.

The Hoseasons Group brands include Hoseasons, Cottages4you, James Villa Holidays and English Country Cottages.

In its most recent results, Hoseasons, which employs more than 460 staff, announced sales of £46.5m with pre-tax profits of £2.7m.