Toft, who worked at Explore for 30 years, working his way up from trip leader, will join the team in April 2018.
KE said in a statement: “Toft’s wealth of knowledge will be a huge asset as KE looks to expand its operations since joining the French Voyageurs du Monde adventure group earlier this year.”
The VDM group had a turnover of €380 million and took over 180,000 clients in 2016.
French clients account for 80% of its sales but through KE there are plans to expand into the English-speaking market, the statement said.
It continued: “Ashley will oversee the growth of KE’s product range and KE are currently looking to recruit more product managers and other staff to join their team which is based in Keswick, the heart of the Lake District.
“This is the perfect opportunity for anyone wanting to move north looking for a change of lifestyle.”
The founders of KE Adventure, Tim Greening and Glenn Rowley, will stay on in a consultancy role.
