McHugh to leave following TC-MyTravel merger
MyTravel chief executive Peter McHugh has confirmed he will leave at the end of the year following the merger with Thomas Cook.
The merger of the two travel groups is due to be completed on June 19 and a new management structure for the combined businesses has been outlined.
No further details of the impact on staff have been made available.
A statement said: “Further details of Thomas Cook group plc’s integration plans will not be available until after the merger deal is complete.”
McHugh and Thomas Cook AG chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa will be the new Thomas Cook Group’s joint CEOs until December 31. Fontenla-Novoa will then assume sold leadership.
Tow further executive directors have been confirmed as chief financial officer Ludger Heuberg from Thomas Cook and UK and Ireland CEO John Bloodworth, currently UK boss of MyTravel.
Three appointments have yet to be confirmed – director of group legal, group strategy director and executive director, independent travel.
Thomas Cook’s Ian Derbyshire will share the role of holiday division executive director with Pete Constanti, both reporting to Bloodworth, under the new structure.
Simon Carter becomes executive director, marketing, also reporting to Bloodworth. John De Vial is group quality and safety director reporting to Fontenla-Novoa.
The new company will have five divisions – UK & Ireland, German Airlines, North America, Northern Europe and Continental Europe.
McHugh said: “With the merger expected to complete on June 19, preparations are well advanced for the integration of the two companies. In order to ensure success in this period o change it is essential that the new management team is in place from the outset.”
Fontenla-Novoa said: “The coming together of two of the best known names in travel means that we will be significantly stronger together than as two separate businesses.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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