Entrepreneur Luke Johnson’s Risk Capital Partners has invested in Simpson Travel, marking a significant development.
- Simpson Travel is renowned for offering boutique hotels and luxury villas across key European and Turkish destinations.
- Paul Carter, former CEO of Hotelplan UK, joins as the new chairman, with Ed Pyke stepping up as managing director.
- Founder Graham Simpson continues as an advisor while his family members maintain key roles within the company.
- This strategic move is expected to bolster Simpson Travel’s growth, leveraging Risk Capital Partners’ industry expertise.
Entrepreneur Luke Johnson’s private equity firm, Risk Capital Partners, has announced a strategic stake in Simpson Travel, a notable name in the realm of boutique hotels and luxury villas. The deal comes as Simpson Travel continues to expand its footprint across Corsica, France, Greece, Italy, Mallorca, and Turkey.
Former Hotelplan UK chief executive, Paul Carter, has been appointed as the company’s chairman following this partnership. Additionally, Ed Pyke, who has significantly contributed to the operations of the company, will step up to the role of managing director. These leadership changes are expected to play a pivotal role in aligning with the company’s growth aspirations.
Founder Graham Simpson, who established Simply Travel, now Simpson Travel, returns to the advisory board, bringing a wealth of expertise and ensuring continuity of the company’s core values. His children, Mathew, Daniel, and Hannah Simpson, continue to hold their vital positions in the company, which underscores a foundational commitment to the brand’s enduring legacy.
Simpson Travel’s reputation for delivering excellence through exceptional service and distinctive quality accommodations remains at the core of its business strategy. Graham Simpson expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, acknowledging that Risk Capital Partners’ backing not only provides capital for growth but also aligns with the company’s founding principles.
Ed Pyke articulated his vision for the company, highlighting the potential of this pivotal moment. He stated, “I am thrilled to be stepping up to the role of managing director at this pivotal time in the company’s history. We have seen record years in 2023 and 2024 to date, as bookings exceed pre-pandemic levels.” This statement reflects a robust future outlook, backed by a reputable private equity partner.
Luke Johnson, a seasoned figure with a history in various successful ventures, including Neilson Active Holidays and Elegant Hotels, echoed confidence in the brand. According to Johnson, “We believe Simpson Travel is a terrific brand with a tremendously loyal customer base,” highlighting the mutual benefit expected from this strategic alignment.
This partnership stands as a promising endeavour that aims to leverage Simpson Travel’s strong market position with Risk Capital Partners’ strategic backing.
