About Clive Jacobs
Clive Jacobs has spent more than four decades building, scaling and investing in businesses that have challenged established ways of doing things.
From the creation of Holiday Autos through to the growth of Jacobs Media and his investments in luxury travel, his focus has remained consistent: identify opportunity early, build strong distribution, back the right people and create lasting value.
From category-defining growth at Holiday Autos to the development of Jacobs Media and his later investments in luxury travel, the shape of the work has evolved, but the underlying approach has remained consistent.
Holiday Autos
In March 1988, Clive co-founded Holiday Autos, the company widely credited with changing the way car rental was sold, through a pre-bookable, prepaid and fully inclusive model that gave customers far greater confidence and transparency.
Holiday Autos was not just a successful travel company; it changed customer expectations in the category by creating a model that was clearer, more convenient and more trustworthy.
Clive helped turn car rental from a fragmented purchase into something far more accessible and scalable. The business grew internationally and became one of the sector’s major success stories before its sale in 2003.
In 2009, Clive made his first media investment by acquiring Travel Weekly and associated brands from Reed Business Information – a move that laid the foundations for what would become Jacobs Media.
Over the years the portfolio has expanded through acquisition, investment and the development of new brands, spanning travel, hospitality, events, training and insight.
Today Jacobs Media operates from the UK and Dubai and includes brands such as Travel Weekly, The Caterer, Aspire, Connections, Connecting Travel, ATAS and OTT.
In 2009, Clive made his first media investment by acquiring Travel Weekly and its associated brands from Reed Business Information. That move laid the foundations for what would become Jacobs Media.
Over the years the portfolio has expanded through acquisition, investment and the development of new brands, spanning travel, hospitality, events, training and insight.
Today Jacobs Media operates from the UK and Dubai and includes brands such as Travel Weekly, The Caterer, Aspire, Connections, Connecting Travel, ATAS and OTT.
In 2014, Clive took a stake in what is now Tully Luxury Travel and became executive chairman of the business.
Since then he has supported its growth as one of North America’s leading luxury travel companies, with a strong reputation for high-touch service and high-value client relationships.
On-going Investment & Innovation
Alongside his core businesses, Clive has invested in a number of start-up and later-stage ventures and has acted as an advisor on significant transactions involving major banks and private equity firms.
His investment approach remains grounded in the same principles that have shaped his career: back strong people, build meaningful distribution and create long-term value.
Awards & Achievements
In a career spanning more than four decades, Clive has received multiple awards, accolades and appointments in recognition of his contribution to business, travel and entrepreneurship.
Clive becomes a Founding Patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Clive was awarded the World Travel Market Global Award for outstanding contribution to UK travel.
Clive was named ‘Director of the Year’ by Decision Magazine in association with PwC.
Clive was honoured alongside 20 other industry leaders, including Sir Richard Branson, at World Travel Market’s Tribute 21 list.
Clive was the youngest inductee to the prestigious Travel Industry Hall of Fame.
Clive was instrumental in forming one of the country’s first destination management organisations, Visit Devon, serving as its first chairman.
Clive was made an Honorary Fellow of The Tourism Society.
Jacobs Media received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its international growth
Clive provides thought leadership and selected keynote appearances across industry conferences, private forums and business events. He also works selectively on advisory and strategic opportunities.
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