Laurence Hicks to leave Wendy Wu

Wendy Wu Tours managing director Laurence Hicks has decided to step down to pursue ‘other somewhat more modest business interests’ and enjoy more quality time with his partner.

Hicks, who rejoined Wendy Wu Tours five years ago after an earlier stint in 2008/9, will stay on until March 20 and then will undertake some special projects for the business until April 20.

In a memo to staff, he said he was leaving the business as its transitions to a ‘completely new way of working’, which will change the way it engages with customers and commercial partners.

"Additionally, a whole new product proposition will evolve across our online platforms which will propel Wendy Wu Tours into completely new territories. I think you will agree that new and exciting times lay ahead for the business," he said to his team.

Since Hicks rejoined the China specialist, the UK business has doubled in size, with turnover expected to hit £30 million this year.

"I appreciate that this news will come as a complete surprise to you all but I feel it is both in the company’s best commercial interest and my personal interest," he said.

Group CEO Joe Karbo will be acting MD for UK in the interim.

"The business will look for an MD with great track record in online business over the coming months," said the company’s founder and chair Wendy Wu.

Wu said she had attempted to convince Hicks to stay on, but he had insisted he wanted to leave ‘on a high’.

She paid tribute to Hicks for growing the business and ‘effectively turning the UK into the company’s head office’.

"The truth is that I love working with Laurence and he loved working with me," she added.