Hugo Loudon is the Chief Financial Officer at Holiday Extras. He joined the company in January 2020, bringing over 11 years of experience in fast-moving, customer-facing, tech-oriented businesses.

My role at Holiday Extras is to help the business drive top and bottom line growth, provide strategic and commercial direction, and lead a top class finance team.

My Role at Holiday Extras

Hugo Loudon is responsible for overseeing the financial health and strategic planning of the business. Since joining, Hugo has leveraged his extensive experience from roles at BT Sport and Sky to lead the company's financial planning, reporting, and risk management. His role involves ensuring accurate financial performance tracking, developing strategies to achieve business objectives, and collaborating with the executive team to drive growth initiatives. Day-to-day, he focuses on managing financial teams, analysing key metrics, and shaping the long-term financial strategy for Holiday Extras.

Life Before HX

Cricket was my first real passion growing up. My cricketing "career" included too many lowlights to mention, but did contain a few highlights including playing professionally for Hampshire, playing with Brian Lara at Lord's and playing against Andrew Flintoff. I have now found my place playing garden cricket with my 8 year old son.

Having studied History at Durham University, I qualified as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. I then had an enjoyable seven years working for Sky, starting off as the Financial Controller for their Movies & Sky Store business. My time was mainly spent negotiating movie deals with Hollywood studios, business partnering the commercial team and at the more glamorous end attending the odd film premiere. Following this I supported the Sales and Marketing teams in driving profitable sales volume and optimising the marketing budget.

Seeking a new challenge, I then moved to BT as Finance Director for their TV & Sport business. In this role, I worked on key sports rights deals such as Champions league football, the FA Cup, the Ashes, European rugby and boxing. I have also led the Strategy Finance team, the Financial, Planning and Analysis function, and helped launch BT Mobile.

Why HX?

Holiday Extras has a strong track record of growth, an ambitious plan to grow further, a brilliantly passionate team and an inspiring culture.

Life Outside Work

In one word - busy! I am lucky enough to have four children, with ages ranging from 1 to 8 years old. The day starts early, ends late and there isn't much rest in between! When not on childcare duty, I am sports mad and like to stay fit. Golf, cricket and skiing are passions, whilst I've also tempered my 'mid-life crisis' by taking up boxing. I took part in a charity fight in June this year, managing to escape victorious without any broken bones and I am now officially retired from competitive action!

What/where's your favourite place and why?

Has to be North Cornwall - sea air, beautiful beaches, surfing, stunning coastline, activities galore for all ages.

What's your perfect hassle-free holiday and why?

Quick & smooth travel, good weather, lots of activities, sea or snow.

What/who inspires you and why?

Anyone who has faced adversity and come out stronger.

I have spent some time at Great Ormond Street the past few years and always leave inspired by patients and parents.

What's your favourite value and why?

Positivity and making the most of every day.

Coffee or tea?

Before kids neither - now at least 2 cups of coffee per day!

Interesting fact

My Great Grandfather was John Jellicoe, Admiral of the British Fleet in the 1st World War.