Europe Express Announces Key Leadership Shifts to Accelerate Growth and Partner Strategy

Lynnwood, WA, June 23, 2026 — Europe Express, a leading European travel wholesaler dedicated exclusively to supporting Travel Advisors, today announced two strategic leadership changes as the company positions itself for its next phase of growth. Kelli Williams has been elevated to Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, and Mark Yacker has been appointed to Vice President, Strategic Partnerships. 

These adjustments reflect a deliberate effort to deepen partner relationships, expand reach, and align the company’s capabilities around the Travel Advisors who rely on Europe Express’s expertise and operational excellence every day. 

Kelli Williams Elevated to VP, Marketing and Business Development 

Williams, who previously served as Director of Marketing & Partnerships, has been instrumental in shaping the Europe Express brand and elevating the customer experience for Travel Advisor partners. In her expanded role, Williams will continue to lead Marketing and Customer Experience while also assuming oversight of Business Development Management and strategy planning for the Outside Sales team—bringing the company’s marketing, demand generation, and account management functions into a single, integrated leadership structure. 

“Kelli has been a driving force behind the growth of the Europe Express brand and the quality of our partner experience,” said Parik Laxminarayan, CEO of Europe Express. “This promotion is both well-deserved and strategically important. Bringing our marketing and commercial teams under her leadership positions us to better serve our Travel Advisor partners and drive meaningful growth.” 

Mark Yacker Steps into VP, Strategic Partnerships

Yacker, previously VP, Outside Sales & Partnerships, moves into a role focused exclusively on Europe Express’s strategic external relationships. He will lead the company’s consortia partnerships as well as key Travel Advisor and agency relationships, leveraging his deep industry network and commercial experience to strengthen distribution channels and expand partnerships. 

“Mark’s industry relationships and commercial instincts are a genuine competitive advantage for Europe Express,” Laxminarayan added. “Focusing his expertise on our strategic partnerships will strengthen how we show up for our most important distribution channels and the Travel Advisors who trust us as their European partner.” 

Both appointments are effective immediately. 

About Europe Express

Europe Express is a premier wholesale tour operator specializing in custom European travel experiences for Travel Advisors. Since 1990, Europe Express has provided travel professionals with seamless, tailor-made itineraries, competitive pricing, and dedicated support—empowering them to deliver unforgettable journeys to their clients. Continuously growing, Europe Express has operated over 300,000 trips for over 670,000 guests, with a dedicated team of over 150 employees located in five countries. Discover more at www.europeexpress.com or follow us @EuropeExpress. 

About Travelopia

Travelopia is the world’s leading collection of experiential travel brands. With primary headquarters in Surbiton, United Kingdom and over 2,500 colleagues across 30 countries worldwide, Travelopia welcomes 400,000 guests each year in over 120 destinations. From wildlife encounters to polar expeditions, from cultural tours to yachting adventures, Travelopia’s business is not just about showing people the world, but designing new ways to experience it. Explore at www.travelopia.com. 

Media Contact

Kelli Williams 
VP, Marketing and Business Development, Europe Express 
kelli.williams@europeexpress.com 

About the Author

Caity Garvey is the Senior Content Marketing Manager at Europe Express, where she oversees the editorial calendar and manages the publication of content across all digital properties, including social media. With a background in content and digital strategy, Caity has worked with esteemed organizations like National Geographic, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the United Nations Foundation. She thrives in creative and collaborative environments that celebrate storytelling, innovation, and teamwork. In her free time, she loves reading anything she can get her hands on, writing, spending time with her socially awkward cat, and exploring culinary scenes in cities and countries around the world.