TUI appoints new cruise MD and retail director
TUI UK & Ireland has appointed new managing directors to its cruises and retail divisions.
Former chief executive of Thistle hotels Richard Sofer is new managing director of Thomson Cruises.
Mark Bather, previously Telefonica o2’s head of stores for UK and Ireland, is Thomson’s new retail director.
Both Sofer and Bather will report to Thomson Distribution and Cruise director Helen Caron.
Sofer will be responsible for delivering the line’s modernization plan, which will see three ships join the fleet in the next three years.
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Bather will lead the 600-strong retail network ‘to deliver outstanding customer service and develop the future of the retail estate for TUI UK and Ireland’, said TUI.
Caron said: "Richard and Mark are both great hires for our business, bringing with them a wealth of experience from senior roles at some of Britain’s leading businesses.~
"This external influence and experience will prove invaluable as we continue with our growth and modernisation plans for our business.
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"Richard will lead the cruise team during the next stage of our modernisation strategy, with a focus on continually improving the customer experience delivering tailored and contemporary end-to-end experiences for our customers.~~
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"Mark will be focussed on leading our incredible team of retail experts, to inspire them to deliver an outstanding service to our customers.~ He will also develop the future of our retail estate and the evolution of our stores.~
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"I’m delighted that Richard and Mark have joined at such an exciting time for the business."
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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