Gerry Pack

Gerry Pack was a Non-Executive Director at Holiday Extras. He founded the company after identifying a gap in the market for efficient, cost-effective airport hotel bookings.

Gerry Pack worked for the same company for 14 years after leaving school. In the course of his work Gerry discovered that there was no efficient, cost-effective way to book an overnight stay for a customer at an airport hotel. A clunky system and little commission meant travel agents hated booking airport hotels for their clients. He saw an opportunity...

My Role at Holiday Extras

Gerry's role as the founder and visionary of Holiday Extras went beyond simply identifying business opportunities. In the company's early years, he was deeply involved in establishing relationships with hotel partners. His day-to-day responsibilities included overseeing the development of a user-friendly booking platform, managing financial agreements with agents, and ensuring customer satisfaction by securing high-quality yet affordable services. His focus was on creating a win-win ecosystem: hotels gained consistent bookings, travel agents benefited from easier processes and commissions, and customers enjoyed reliable and cost-effective travel add-ons.

As the company grew, Gerry Pack shifted his focus to strategic leadership, building a strong team to manage operations while he concentrated on driving innovation and expansion. This included the launch of new products and services, such as airport parking and lounge access, to enhance the travel experience. After stepping back as non-executive chairman in 2009, Gerry continued to provide guidance and strategic input, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. Today, under the stewardship of Group CEO Matthew Pack, the company builds on Gerry's legacy, evolving and embracing technology to fulfill Matthew Pack's vision of hassle-free travel.

Gerry Pack was awarded London and South East Master Entrepreneur of the Year 2004.

Life Outside of Work

Gerry and his wife Carol have four children. Both enjoy horse riding, skiing and sailing in their spare time. Gerry has an immense passion for golf, both playing and watching. Their grandchildren are their world.

What's your perfect hassle-free holiday?

I start any holiday in a hassle-free manner with an overnight hotel and parking before I fly.

I am a keen sailor but as anyone who sails knows, you can move from one breakdown to another and there is always something to fix. You have to be prepared to take it on the chin and keep those brilliant experiences right at the front of your thinking. I love spending time in the mountains, especially in Serre Chevalier, France where I have a lot of local friends.

Inspiration

My children inspire Carol and me: Hannah with her English skills, of which I have none; Jeremy with his drama entertaining us all; Simon's culinary delights; Matthew's grasp of the electronic world we live in and his ability to embrace it and drive change throughout the business to make it work for customers, suppliers and the company.

What else inspires me is anything done fantastically well. Business, education, art, food and any sport, but more and more it is that small group of people who quietly contribute so much to society as a whole, not necessarily financially, but by giving their time and energy to get things done that make a real difference to their community. It is all done for no personal gain or recognition, just the desire to put something back and to make a difference; they really are an inspiration.