Gordon Townsend, managing director of Caribic Vacations, handed over the company to his son, Oliver Townsend, on January 1. - File

Gordon Townsend, owner of the family-run Caribic Vacations group in Montego Bay, has handed over the running of the company to his son Oliver Townsend, 39.

The older Townsend said through his publicist that he was freeing himself to seek out new business opportunities.

Oliver, who became CEO of the 30-year-old tour company on January 1, has been immersed in the business for some time.

He is a director of both the China Motors vehicle dealership, and the Knutsford Express commuter coach shuttle service, which operates between Kingston and Montego Bay, said the release announcing the transition.

Gordon and his wife Anne Townsend, formed Caribic Vacations in 1977, brokering private charters out of Europe and providing transportation inter-island.

The company also does weekend and weekly side trips to Cuba and other Caribbean islands.

The company, based at Ironshore, employs 150 workers in Montego Bay and at its branches in Kingston, Negril and Port Antonio.

business@gleanerjm.com