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Chris King
Thunder and CEO at Lightning Travel Recruitment Ltd
Chris King is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lightning Travel Recruitment Ltd, a recruitment consultancy specializing in the luxury travel and lifestyle sectors. King, who uses she/they pronouns, has become a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion within the travel industry.
Background and Career
Growing up in southeast London, King always aspired to work in the events industry. After gaining experience in hospitality and sales, she transitioned into the luxury travel sector. However, her early career was marked by challenges related to her identity; she felt compelled to hide aspects of herself, including her queerness, to fit into a predominantly cisgender and heteronormative environment. This experience led to significant health issues, prompting King to reflect on the lack of representation in recruitment agencies.1
In 2019, driven by her desire for inclusivity and representation, King founded Lightning Travel Recruitment. The company aims to provide personalized recruitment services while prioritizing diversity and candidate-first experiences. King's approach is characterized by a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all individuals within the travel industry.23
Advocacy and Recognition
King has been vocal about her personal journey and the importance of authenticity in the workplace. She has shared her experiences with ADHD and has openly discussed her transition, emphasizing the need for supportive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in professional settings. Her advocacy work has garnered recognition; she was named one of LinkedIn's top 10 LGBTQ+ voices in the UK.14
Under her leadership, Lightning Travel Recruitment has implemented several initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, such as publishing salary brackets for all roles and offering paid mental health days. The firm also engages in community outreach to support underrepresented groups within the industry.3
In 2022, King was awarded the title of "Rising Star of the Year" at the British Recruitment Awards, highlighting her impact on the recruitment sector.4
Overall, Chris King exemplifies a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture within the travel industry while advocating for broader societal change through her personal narrative and professional endeavors.

