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Hugh Cuell, CEO (1955-2009)

It is still with bewilderment that we find ourselves absorbing the news of the very sad death of Hugh Cuell on Saturday 24th January, 2009. Hugh was a man with whom one might only associate verve, vigour and vitality.

Demonstrating his entrepreneurial skills from a very early stage, Hugh had entered the travel industry by his early twenties and ran businesses in travel agency, tour operating and airline representation. 

Over the years, as the markets changed and as the landscape of tourism continued to evolve, Hugh injected his own particular energy and innovation into the process of promoting tourism within the UK. 

Hugh will be sorely missed by all of us in the tourism industry, by his team at AMG in London, and of course his friends and family – in particular his two grown-up children Oliver and Sophia.

Tributes

Right from when I first caught sight of that charming smile at Marketplace in Bermuda 1991, I have joined many in finding Hugh a compelling person to be with. His gut instinct about people was disconcerting in those early days, but as I came to know him and joined him in business back in ’93 he taught me so much about business management, about people, about money and above all about having fun. Many have complemented us on how we overcame our own personal crisis and continued to work so well together.  For my part this is testimony to the amount of respect I had for him even when we totally disagreed with one another. With the boundaries duly re-set in our relationship we entered into many a heated debate, usually ending in a healthy compromise, which I truly believe has benefited our business and the clients that we represent.

One of Hugh’s greatest and most admirable traits was his generosity. He has supported so many people, family, friends and colleagues in different ways and was always keen to share in whatever success came his or the company’s way.  It may have prevented him from becoming a millionaire, but this very human side to his personality won him so many friends and admirers along the way, as is demonstrated by the overwhelming outpouring of emotion from the travel industry over his passing.

I last spoke to him in the morning of the day he died. He told me everything was going to be OK and to be strong. Those, and many other words of his wisdom will ring in my ears and continue to guide me as I, and all the team at AMG, work to sustain and grow the legacy that he has left us. His spirit lives on, but may he now rest in peace.
Nadine Rankin, Managing Director, AMG

He has influenced many of us in our life choices, perhaps without even knowing it, and while he will be much missed, I believe never forgotten. 
Denise Greene, ITG and ex-AMG colleague

Hugh was a gentleman who will never be forgotten.  He showed us all such a sunny nature and a zest for life. Despite our competitive positions he treated us so well – as if we were critical to his business. This is so rare these days, I have nothing but praise for the way he went about his life and business, he was a true pro.  
Paula Whitehead, Resort Marketing International

Hugh was a great personal friend to me and a great partner to work with. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Warren Binder, Creative Travel Consultants, Florida

May we find some peace knowing he is toasting each of us and partying like the rock star I will always remember him to be. Cheers to him. 
JoAnn Ackerman, NPIPB, Florida

It seems only yesterday that we were sharing a pint in the pub, shooting the breeze, with me trying to get him to talk about The Bahamas and Hugh far more interested in talking about the Quins!
Hugh Salmon, The Salmon Agency

Hugh will be remembered by so many of us in the travel industry who were lucky enough to join him in both the USA and Africa at various times.  We will remember his generosity, his drive and his good companionship and mourn his sadly premature passing. 
Alan Wilson, Bon Voyage

I have always thought of Hugh as so full of life and this is how I will choose to remember him. 
Annmarie Thompson, The Crane Resort, Barbados

He was such a great guy and it was a pleasure to have met/known him. 
Amanda Barker, Virgin Holidays

He was one of the good guys, and an awful lot of people will be feeling the pain right now, which is testament to Hugh and his infectious way with those that met him. 
Andy Clutterbuck, NatWest

Hugh was very special to me and I shall miss him terribly.
Tommy Thompson, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

My last memory of him is so fitting and special because it so encapsulated a big part of his gregarious larger than life personality that I (and so many other people) will remember him for. 
Julie Gluck, Southern Sun Hotels and ex-AMG colleague

Hugh was more than just our boss. He was our counsel, drinking buddy, and always my friend. His exuberant attitude to life, and desire to see us all strive to achieve the best we can - be it within AMG, or in our personal lives, will stay with us for years to come.
Natasha Lewis, AMG