Travel marketing firm Trending Travel has elevated Kieran Shew to managing director following a string of successful influencer-led brand partnerships he delivered over the past year.

Shew, who joined Trending Travel as commercial director in January 2023, will now oversee a 10-person team based in Manchester. He reports to founder Keith Herman and co-founder Sophie Foster.

According to Travolution, the promotion comes as Trending Travel has strategically shifted from tour operating to an influencer marketing model under Shew’s leadership. He spearheaded high-profile branded content campaigns and influencer activations for travel giants like Sandals, TUI, and Virgin Voyages.

Trending Travel now boasts the most prominent social media audience of any independent travel company, a key milestone in its goal of being a digital-first media business that reaches consumers while bypassing traditional advertising.

“It’s impossible to ignore the power of influencers driving consumer behavior today,” Shew said. “I’m thrilled to lead our team helping brands maximize that potential.”

Trending Travel CEO Keith Herman cited the firm’s rapid growth as the catalyst elevating Shew’s role. “Kieran delivered our unique influencer proposition, so now I can focus on strategy while he leads client satisfaction,” he stated.

Prior to Trending Travel, Shew held commercial roles for online travel brands Cheapflights, KAYAK, and Icelolly.

According to Travolution, the company plans to hire key influencers and launch new campaigns for the Middle East, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and U.S. travel marketing clients in the coming months.