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INTERNATIONAL.The Moodie Report presents the latest in our popular feature series called Never Hide, in which industry interviewees answer quick but revealing questions about their lives and interests inside and outside the industry.
Here we talk to Craig Cherry, the Head of Procurement for Monarch Airlines.
How long have you been in the travel retail industry?
For my sins, about 23 years in the travel and leisure industry. In the retail sector, about five.
Who have been the greatest inspirations in your life and career?
In career terms, an old friend of mine when I worked in hotels, who is unfortunately no longer with us. He inspired me to crack on at a time when my confidence had taken a knock. I have never looked back. In life it is Lynne my wife, and my kids Bethany and Zachary. I would be a wreck without them (as I am frequently told from all corners!)
What’s your proudest career achievement to date?
For most of its existence Monarch Airlines had no professional procurement function; now procurement is integral and future-proofed. I would like to think my team and I have had a huge influence over that. As far as retail is concerned my greatest achievement is the team effort between Monarch and Alpha that has led to our total outsource. Year One has been testament to the success of the partnership.
What’s been your best-ever travel or holiday experience?
Every experience I have where an airport, an airline, a transfer company or a hotelier just steps up to the plate and gets it right and I see a delighted look on my family’s faces. Unfortunately it can be the exception rather than the rule.
What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in life to date?
Loyalty invariably counts for nothing. Fate is fickle. Life most definitely goes on.
What qualities do you most admire in people?
Honesty, integrity, intelligence and the ability to not take oneself too seriously.
What is your favourite quote or saying?
The one about tomatoes being a fruit but only wise people know not to put them in a fruit salad.
One book, one music album for your desert island – what would they be?
Book: The Road by Cormac McCarthy – it is unbelievable. I dare anyone who reads it not to question their entire existence. Music album: London Calling by The Clash, as it is perfect.
And if you could take one duty free item?
You mean apart from a giant Toblerone?
What does it mean to you to be Scottish?
To be rubbish at sport (although we do try very hard and occasionally sneak a world champion here and there). To have the best fresh local produce in the world but still have an above-average chance of getting heart disease in later life. As a Glaswegian it is also vital to have the ability to love and hate and love again in the same conversation.
If you could invite three iconic figures (they can be living or dead) to your ideal dinner party, who would they be?
Joe Strummer, Bob Marley and the comedian Bill Hicks. The world would most definitely be put to rights.
