Our experts – International
We have experts in areas such as travel, restaurants, live entertainment and retail, as well as specialist destination experts. Here are profiles of two of our destination managers.
Gengis Khan, destination manager
I am Ten’s destination specialist for India, the Indian Ocean, Africa and the Arabian Gulf and I think of myself as a kind of “Mr Fixer” for these regions.
Before I joined Ten, I ran a successful luxury tour operator and I have extensive experience within the travel industry. I’ve dealt with all aspects of the industry, from hoteliers to ground arrangements, and I thrive on using my contacts to arrange luxury and specialist holidays such as safaris and cultural tours.
I’m multilingual and put my language skills to good use when organising great trips for members and smoothing the way for them when they are abroad. My forte is being able to access the inaccessible. I use my insider knowledge and local relationships to help members charter everything from private islands to boutique hotels.
I have a real passion for the destinations I cover, know them intimately and regularly visit them, so I know when and where to go. As some of the destinations are unfamiliar to tourists, I really enjoy recommending lesser-known places to go and suggesting things to see and do.
Peter Cook, destination manager
Since starting out in the travel industry in 1979 as an apprentice in my home country of Sri Lanka, I’ve travelled to 32 countries and visited 59 cities. I’ve also helped establish tourism in Dubai and run my own destination management company.
I now focus on Australasia and east Asia for Ten, suggesting hotels and restaurants, booking flights and planning itineraries. I get a real buzz out of dealing with unusual requests – I recently managed to charter a plane for a member and his seven friends… plus his Rolls Royce.
Francesca Sheldon, international retail and beauty expert
My background in retail and hospitality certainly helps with this job. I ran a health club in a five-star London hotel for three years, so I'm very discerning when it comes to suggesting spas and treatments for members. I also worked both in store and at the buying office for Armani, and helped set up a wholesale jewellery business.
Working in the sourcing team, I get my shopping fix by shopping for others. It's a lovely role because we're helping to make members happy, whether it's a direct purchase for them or a hard-to-find gift for a loved one. I source everything from luxury luggage to bespoke tailors, antiques to beauty treatments. Often it's a specific request, like a contemporary, red reading chair or a glass desk, but sometimes we're given a wide remit, which can be a lot of fun. I know a huge number of suppliers, which means I can track down things the average shopper simply wouldn't be able to find.
Outside work I'm a party person - any excuse to go out dancing - but I balance this with yoga. I especially like to keep up with the arts, photography exhibitions and dance performances, but I also love to window shop. Clothes are one of my creative (as well as professional) pursuits.
