Mike Ashton is Director of Business Development for Merlin Software for Vacation Ownership. Responsible for the sales and distribution of Merlin on a global basis, Mike has overseen the exponential growth of the business since 2009.

A regular attendee at the many industry conferences worldwide, Mike travels the globe bringing the message of Merlin, the advantages of software as a service (SaaS), the cost benefits of cloud computing and the importance of interactivity with him.

Mike has had over 15 years’ experience in the timeshare industry working with major developers in a sales capacity. He has a deep knowledge of the products, marketing and sales methods and the people involved. Together with Merlin’s chief architect, Mike Pnematicatos, Mike Ashton founded Timeshare Solutions in the UK and used Merlin extensively throughout the business. “Merlin gave us a competitive edge to our business. For example we could track all our marketing leads, knew exactly what communications they had received, if they had responded and then plan specific programmes based on their responses. No one else could do that with their software.”

Today, in his capacity as Director of Business Development, Mike provides input for new products and services, manages relationships with clients, and liaises between clients and head office in order to ensure that all clients’ needs are met.

With his experience of owning a successful business he provides constant input relating to Merlin and what prospective and existing clients require. As such, Mike is a key member of the Merlin Management Team.