Unique Vacations, the affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, has named a new chief executive officer. 

Veteran travel executive Jeff Clarke has been tapped to succeed Tammy Gonzalez, who announced her retirement this week. 

“Very few people get the opportunity to be part of something that changes everything in their industry,” Gonzalez said. “For more than 35 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside one of travel’s true visionaries and helping to build an organization that I believe in and I am incredibly proud of. That’s why the time is right for me to pass the baton to Jeff. After working alongside him these past four years, I am confident of his leadership and in his ability to navigate this unprecedented moment, positioning our brands well for the future.”

Clarke’s role will take effect April 14, 2020, according to a statement from the company. 

“It’s an honor to become CEO of this remarkably innovative company and a professional challenge to follow in the footsteps of Tammy Gonzalez,” Clarke said. “I have a great deal of respect for the work she has done to advocate for the brands we represent, to put travel advisors first and to make it easy for customers to understand the Sandals and Beaches difference. There is no question that we face exceptional circumstances but over 35 years, Gonzalez has demonstrated the strength of this team to rise again and again and I look forward to carrying on that tradition.”

“While these changes come during unprecedented times, we are confident that Mr. Clarke will position our brands well in this new chapter of leadership,” Unique Vacations said in a statement. 

“Since the very beginning, Tammy has been the backbone of Unique Vacations. I will always be grateful for her insight and dedication and wish her well as she steps into this next chapter of her life,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “It is also my sincere pleasure to congratulate Jeff Clarke, who I have known for years and who I know is well-qualified to lead UVI into the future,”

— CJ