25 April 2008

New strategy chief named at Thomas Cook

Angus Porter has become group strategy director at Thomas Cook Group, starting in June.

The key management position was announced in June 2007, as part of the new management structure for the company following the merger with MyTravel.

As a result of his appointment, Porter will be stepping down as a non executive director of Thomas Cook.

Prior to that he was a non executive Director at MyTravel Group for five years.

He has most recently been global CEO of Added Value, WPP's brand development consultancy. Before Added Value, Porter worked for Abbey National, BT and Mars in senior marketing, sales and general management roles.

Thomas Cook group chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said: "I am delighted
that Angus has accepted the Group Strategy Director role, one that is vital for the future development of our Group. Angus is a great strategist and I know that he will be a valuable addition to the Group's leadership team."

Porter said: "I am very pleased to be joining Thomas Cook full time at an exciting stage in its development. I am very much looking forward to working closely with the management team to achieve the group's ambitions going forward."

Thomas Cook said it had four key strategic aims - to maximise the value of the mainstream business; to become a leading independent travel provider; to be the leading UK travel-related financial services provider; and to capture Ã¢â¬Åâœgrowth and valueÃ¢â¬~ through mergers and acquisitions.

Porter's role will be to drive the strategy forward, looking for opportunities in new markets and developing new products and services.

He will also take on strategic responsibility for the Thomas Cook brand and oversee the group's strategic e-commerce agenda.

by:Phil Davies