Tauck World Discovery Bolsters Operations Team

NORWALK, CT (December 11, 2006) Tauck World Discovery has announced the hiring of Todd Copley, who joins the company as its Vice President Worldwide Operations. Copley comes to Tauck with extensive domestic and international experience in the travel industry, including all management disciplines within operations as well as brand delivery, product development, strategic business planning, budget control, acquisitions, and first-hand experience working as a tour director.

Keith Baron, who had overseen operations at Tauck, will serve the company in the role of Vice President directing the company’s operations throughout the Americas. He will also be the executive liaison from Tauck’s Worldwide Operations team, helping drive a number of critical strategic initiatives including a long-term IT systems project.

“We’re very excited by the enhancements to our Worldwide Operations leadership team,” said Tauck Chief Operating Officer, Dan Mahar. “We get the benefit of Todd’s broad-based expertise, and we can more effectively utilize Keith’s 20 years of experience at Tauck across a range of projects and in our crucial markets in the Americas.” Tauck began operations in North America in 1925, and today North America and Europe are essentially equal as Tauck’s largest and most important markets. The company operates a total of 32 itineraries throughout North America, from Alaska to the Old South and from Quebec City to San Diego, and a number of itineraries in Central and South America.

Copley’s experience includes serving as Executive Vice President and Director, European Operations for VBT Bicycling Vacations from 1998 to 2005, when it was a subsidiary of Grand Circle Corporation. Copley also played a key role in the acquisition of Continental Waterways, a deluxe French barging company. During his tenure at Grand Circle/VBT, Copley revolutionized operating systems and helped deliver the highest customer satisfaction levels in VBT’s history.

Since 2005, Copley was the Chief Operating Officer for Eco Inn Experiences, the world’s first global brand and association of nature and adventure-themed inns, lodges and resorts. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration & Marketing from Fairmont State University and has participated in advanced studies in International Tourism at Schiller University in London, England. Copley officially joined Tauck on Monday, December 4.

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