Thomas Cook appoints new director
Thomas Cook has appointed a new independent non-executive director, who will become the fourth woman on its nine-strong Board.
Annet Aris will join the Board from July 1.
She is currently adjunct professor of Strategy at the France-based graduate business school INSEAD, a position she has held since 2003, and she was previously a partner of consultancy firm McKinsey & Company in Germany where, for a number of years, she was the only female partner and one of the leaders of its Transportation and later its Media practice.
Aris also holds various non-executive roles in Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, including at Jungheinrich AG, Kabel Deutschland, ASR Netherlands N.V., and Sanoma Group.
Thomas Cook Group chairman Frank Meysman said: "Following the ongoing progress with our Transformation, we are pleased to be able to attract such a high caliber non-executive director to join our Board.
"Annet has served at the highest levels at INSEAD and McKinsey for many years and has significant digital expertise, particularly in relation to the transition of businesses to online and the impact on company strategy and revenue modelling.
"Additionally, Annet has substantial non-executive Director experience, acquired with a wide range of European companies across a spread of sectors.
"We recognise the benefits of diversity and with Annet’s appointment the Board comprises four women and five men, of which four are based in the UK, three in Continental Europe, one in Turkey and one in the US, who have a broad range of skills and experience that are relevant to our business."
Aris added: "I am delighted to be joining the Board at an exciting time for the Company. Considerable progress has been made with the Transformation by the strong management team and there is significant potential for the future.
"I look forward to working with the Board as it continues to develop the Company’s strategy and am pleased to support the continued success of such an iconic brand."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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