Our Key people
John Wales - Managing Director
Since 1982, John has worked in the travel business in a range of companies from ferry & tour operators to restaurant groups and ticket agents. The vast experience amassed on all sides of the business has contributed to the understanding of the solutions and service standards required by the industry and management and motivation of teams of employees. John sits on the board of the Coach Tourism Council and on committees for ETOA and the charity Just A Drop as well as enjoying theatre, good restaurants, fine wines and Leeds United.
Ashley Herman - Director
Ashley Herman began his career in the theatre at the age of 17. He has since produced or co-produced over 35 West End shows. In 1981 he founded Applause, the UK's first travel-trade dedicated ticket agency which grew into one of Europe's largest independent agencies. In 1989, on behalf of Cameron Mackintosh, Ashley launched Theatre Direct International in New York. TDI grew rapidly and is now known as Broadway.com. In 1997 Ashley sold Applause and in 2000, with his colleague John Wales, founded Encore. In addition to Encore, Ashley continues to be involved in theatre production and is Chairman of the World-renowned GSA Conservatoire for Musical Theatre, Acting and Technical Theatre.
Johan Oosterveld - Director of Sales
Johan joined Encore Tickets in January 2002. Having studied business and tourism in The Netherlands, Johan was drawn the vast opportunities of London and lead him to move here in 1995. Since then he has been active in the travel and leisure industry in various sectors including tour operating and hotels, whilst focusing upon his passion for Sales. Johan believes the strength of Encore Tickets lies in the first-class service and knowledge of our Sales and Reservation Team.
Chris Ryan - Director of Marketing
Chris Ryan joined the company in 2006 as part of the merger with Advance Box Office. Chris has ten years experience of production, artist management, marketing and ticketing in the theatre and entertainment industry, latterly as Managing Director of Advance Box Office. Chris believes that one of Encore's great strength is it's dynamism in the market place and he looks forward to developing this through innovative marketing strategies. Chris is currently undertaking an MBA at Henley Management College and in his spare time is a keen follower of the arts, cricket and London Irish RUFC.
Mat Hart - Group Director of Online and Consumer Business
Mat joined Encore in April 2011 as Group Director of Online and Consumer business with a primary focus on developing the B2C and online channels. He started his career in the travel sector, spending six years in a variety of commercial and product roles at Thomson Holidays. He then moved to Holiday Autos where he started its online business before becoming UK Managing Director. Following its acquisition he took on the role of Group Marketing Director for the lastminute.com. He subsequently joined the board of Cannons Health and Fitness in 2006. Following its acquisition he took the role of Group Marketing Director for Nuffield Health. In his spare time, Mat is focused on his young family, occasionally fitting in trips to classic car and motorsport events, Fulham FC and the odd game of tennis.
Derek Playford ACMA MBA - Group Financial Director
Derek joined Encore in August 2010 as Group Finance Director. Prior to joining Encore, Derek spent seven years at Gala Coral, where he held roles including Finance Director for the Retail Betting Division, Finance Director for the Bingo Division and Head of Group Management Accounts. These experiences are supported by commercial finance roles at HMV, and sole charge finance roles in smaller, manager owned business in retail and distribution services. During his career Derek has helped deliver significant change programs across businesses and finance teams, whilst always adding commercial value to the bottom line. In his spare time, Derek is a keen motorcyclist - including being a fully qualified Isle of Man TT Road Race marshal - and supports Charlton Athletic FC.
Joe Warren-Meeks - Director Of Systems Development
Joe joined Encore Tickets in 2009. He has worked for 15 years in the technology sector, specialising in operational management and systems & security architecture. He can draw on a wealth of experienced gained from working in ISPs such as Demon and Easynet as Senior Systems Engineer, investment banking with Deutsche Bank as Enterprise Management Architect, service companies such as The Cloud and Inspired Gaming Group as Technical Director as well as managed services as Operations Director for Nativ Systems. In his spare time, Joe enjoys playing cricket badly and testing new technologies in his home networks.
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