Jobs at risk in Neilson shake-up
Around 15 head office jobs are at risk as part of a shake-up at activity holiday specialist Neilson.
The operator blamed the possible redundancies on a drop in demand for Turkey, which has forced it to close two of its four Turkey beachclubs, and also on ‘the successful completion of its transition to an independent business’.
The Brighton-based company, which was subject to a private equity backed buyout from Thomas Cook in late 2013, has begun consultation with the affected employees.
Neilson also announced that Pete Tyler, currently development director, has decided to step down from a full-time role in the business.
Tyler, who has been with the tour operator for over 20 years, will oversee the launch of new properties for summer 2017 and then move to a non-executive position.
His brother Pip is staying with the company as overseas director.
Chief executive Richard Bowden-Doyle is moving back to his original role of executive chairman ‘to focus more on the longer term development of the business’.
Chief finance officer David Taylor is being promoted to managing director, with responsibility for day-to-day operations.
The business will look to appoint a new finance chief.
Bowden-Doyle said: "With the complex process of establishing Neilson as an independent company now complete, we are organising ourselves for the next stage of our development.
"David and I have worked very closely together since we joined Neilson, so I’m confident that he will do a great job in his new role and I wish him every success.
"I also want to pay particular tribute to Pete Tyler, who has decided that this is the right time for him to step back and move to a non-executive role. Pete has been an integral part of the Neilson story, through thick and thin, over many years and as the managing director of Neilson under Thomas Cook’s ownership, he played a key part in the management buy-out.
"Although he will be relinquishing his executive responsibilities, Pete will, as you would expect, stay connected to the brand as an investor and shareholder in the company."
Neilson employs 100 people at its head office in Brighton Marina and around 1000 overseas.
A spokeswoman said there are no plans to move out of the Brighton office.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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