Meet the Team - Edwin Doran

Meet the team

We are a bunch of sports fanatics and we’re here to help

Meet our passionate and dedicated team of front-line sports specialists, offering extensive knowledge, innovative touring ideas and a personal approach. Read our story and get in touch!

For product and partnership enquiries, please contact product@ttssltd.co.uk.

Jamie Anthony

Head of Sales

Mobile:  +44 203 617 7983
Email:  jamie.anthony@edwindoran.com

Starting life under a banana tree in the Bahamas, then growing up in Lincolnshire, I’ve been used to travelling from a very young age. I studied sports at Leeds Metropolitan University and played rugby there for Leeds Carnegie. I then worked for local authorities and the RFU before joining the team at Edwin Doran.

 

Rugby has always been my main sport and it has taken me around the world with tours to Australia and Singapore, as well as two summers in Canada playing for the Toronto Nomads.

Beth Vermont

Operations Manager

Phone: +44 203 617 7983
Email:  beth.vermont@edwindoran.com
Phone:  +44 (0)161 491 6969

From a young age, I have always been involved in sports and even represented my county in both swimming and netball. I continued playing netball through university and, after relocating to the Midlands, I am now looking for a local team.

 

My first ever sports tour was a netball tour to Malta, which started my passion for touring. I have worked in sports tour operations since graduating from Southampton University in 2012 with a degree in Sports Studies, and I’m lucky enough to have travelled to South Africa, America, Canada and many European destinations.

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Toby Douglas

Head of Sales

Mobile: +44 7968 209431
Email:  toby.douglas@edwindoran.com

As a young lad, I came to the realization that just playing all the sports I love as a full-time career wasn’t a viable option. This led me to reflect on the most impactful experiences of my childhood. Among them, one event stood out prominently: a school sports tour that opened my eyes and totally broadened my horizons.

Rugby and cricket hold a special place in my heart, although I must admit that I’ve had my fair share of penalty flick mishaps in hockey. Every now and then, I even join the school parents’ netball team for a run-out!

I’m a southwest boy really but made the move to Teddington some time ago and am very involved with all the local clubs. Now, with two lively young boys by my side, I eagerly look forward to embarking on adventures across the globe with them in tow!

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Craig Bones

Sales Manager

Mobile: +44 7956 501041
Email:  craig.bones@edwindoran.com

I have been extremely fortunate to have served and travelled in HM Armed Forces as an RAF Regiment Gunner for a number of years and started in the Sports and Educational Travel Industry in 1999. I have had a fantastic journey taking me to many parts of the world and meeting some wonderful people. I am also proud Ambassador for Military Charity “Care for Veterans”.

My main sport is Rugby, having been 1st XV Captain, and then Club President at my local club in St Andrews, Scotland. I have represented the Scottish Midlands, as well as the Royal Air Force in Germany and the UK. My other interest is road cycling as it’s easier on my knees at my age! I completed John O Groats to Lands’ End in 2007 and cycle every week for at least 75-100 miles.

My two favourite destinations are New Zealand and Sri Lanka. New Zealand because as a child, I learnt all about the islands watching the All Blacks on TV. So, to physically go there and sample its beauty was just amazing. Sri Lanka also impressed me with its beauty, bright colours, culture and smiles. With so much to offer, this island is a definite go-to destination for me.

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Gemma Hamilton

Senior Tour Operator

Mobile: +44 7811 990101
Email:  gemma.hamilton@edwindoran.com

I have been involved in the sports travel industry for more than 20 years. I previously worked with our sister brand, Gullivers Sports Tours, organising supporters tours to various Rugby and Cricket events in places such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand & Europe. I then moved into the Schools, Clubs & University playing tours where I was primarily responsible for tours to the Caribbean.

I have been lucky enough to have visited the Caribbean on more than 70 occasions, and during Cricket World Cup I was based in Barbados for nearly 2 years, so I have a good knowledge of the Caribbean region. I also look after tours to other long-haul destinations, as well as Europe.

I am a netball player myself and after university, I took a year out to travel, so I am always grateful to have found a job where I can combine both of these interests. I enjoy watching most sports, with rugby being of particular interest having been born and bred in Gloucester.

Josie Moore

Tour Coordinator

Mobile: +44 7786 838281
Email:  josie.moore@edwindoran.com

I have been in the travel business since leaving university – firstly, working as a ski instructor in Austria, and then returning to the UK to work for a small school sports tour operator. After 6 years, I joined Edwin Doran Sports Tours as a Sales Coordinator, creating unforgettable tour experiences and memories that will hopefully last a lifetime!

 

I am an avid sports fan, having played hockey in my youth right through to a few years ago. With this job, I am lucky enough to have travelled to many amazing places including the Caribbean, Canada, USA and most of Europe.

Jeff Parker's profile

Jeff Parker

Regional Account Manager

Phone:  +44 203 617 7983
Email:  jeff.parker@edwindoran.com

After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in Cape Town, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel and play sports abroad, working with private schools and clubs in Europe. Having returned to South Africa after two years travelling and working in the educational sector, I knew I wanted to be involved in sport, education and travel – and decided to pursue a career incorporating these elements.

 

After a busy and highly enjoyable start in the group sports travel sector working for Tourvest, one of the largest integrated tourism groups in Southern Africa, and having recently married my English rose, we decided to immigrate back to her home country! I’ve worked in the school travel sector for the past 8 years in the UK and have enjoyed it immensely. I’ve built up some excellent relationships with like-minded people and have a great network which has provided me with a great platform to mould a successful career around.

I have two beautiful boys, I love the outdoors and enjoy keeping fit. I like playing hockey, golf, trail running and cycling to different coffee stops over the weekend! I cannot wait to get going at Edwin Doran and be part of this excellent team.

Kate Asani

Tour Operator

Phone: +44 203 617 7983 / +44 161 491 6969
Email:  kate.asani@edwindoran.com

Born in Livingstone at Victoria Falls, Zambia, I then grew up in Botswana and attended boarding school in the UK. I have travelled quite a bit and enjoyed stints of living in the Middle East, Mexico, Hungary and The Cayman Islands before returning to make a base for myself in London.

 

I have worked for a good long while in various roles in the travel industry and now have the pleasure of operating European tours for Edwin Doran.

Kevin Smith

Operations Executive, South Africa

Phone:  +27 76 669 2688
Email:  kevin.smith@edwindoran.com

Based in our offices in South Africa, I have been part of the Edwin Doran team for more than two decades. Starting out as a guide and driver for Edwin Doran groups, I then moved into their Operations department where I get to manage and operate sports tours for the amazing groups that travel to us.

 

In South Africa, I have various sporting interests, including boxing, mixed martial arts, rugby and athletics. I see a combination of the sports that interest me have come to shape success in my life and who I am as a person today.

William Solomon

South African Operations Executive

Phone:  +44 203 617 7940
Email:  william.solomon@edwindoran.com

Sports have played a major role in my life since I was old enough to throw a ball around. Rugby and cricket were my first loves and I am still playing competitively in the Cape Town club leagues. I studied Sport Management after school and have been working in the sporting industry for 16 years.

 

Winning our rugby league for the first time in 2014 has to be my favourite personal sporting moment. An unforgettable moment with an amazing group of people who put the team before themselves to lead us to victory.

Andrew Loughlin

Sales Manager

Mobile: +44 7802 356180
Email:  andrew.loughlin@edwindoran.com

I’m a self-confessed sports nut, still playing rugby in my fifth decade. Originally from County Tyrone in Ireland, my sports degree from Cardiff set me on a career that seems to have taken me around the world numerous times. I am based in our northern office in Manchester. I work with some great folk within the company and have also had the great pleasure of linking with many fabulous sports people over the years.

 

Job satisfaction comes in many guises, whether it’s seeing a rugby game in New Zealand, a school cricket game in St Lucia, or the endless stories and connections made through playing sport (no matter what shape the ball may be) across the globe.

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