Former TUI director joins rival Thomas Cook
Former TUI director Kathryn Ward is to join rival Thomas Cook and the Co-operative retail network as UK retail director.
Ward, who now uses her married name Kathryn Darbandi, left TUI last October after 28 years with the company, most recently as retail, contact centres and financial services director.
She will take up her new post with Thomas Cook at the beginning of April, reporting directly to Salman Syed, managing director Thomas Cook UK & Ireland. She will also join the UK management team.
Meanwhile, Thomas Cook head of retail Joanna Wild has decided to leave the company.
Syed said: "Kathryn’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to the retail operation, which continues to be an integral part of the British high street and a popular way for our customers to book.
"She enjoys an excellent reputation within the travel industry, with a well-proven vision of meeting the needs of customers in an Omni-channel, technology-driven world."
In December, Thomas Cook expanded its retail management team with the appointment of Clive Newton (head of retail north), alongside Jacqui Holt (head of retail central) and Torey Kings-Hodkin (head of retail south).
Also reporting into Darbandi will be Lucy Green (head of retail strategic development), Fraser Millar (head of FE strategy & development) and Kelly Cookes (head of Freedom and COPTA).
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