Former Tui product and purchasing managing director Garry Wilson has joined easyJet as chief executive of its holidays division.
His appointment follows that of easyJet chief executive, Johan Lundgren, who was formerly deputy chief executive of Tui.
Wilson was named chief executive of easyJet Holidays in May this year.
The recruitment of Wilson, who will become a member of the Airline Management Board, is expected to trigger a long-touted growth in easyJet’s holidays division.
EasyJet Holidays, which began trading in 2011 with the now-defunct Lowcost Travel Group supplying accommodation, has previously set out plans to be “in the top three to five” in the UK holiday market.
Hotelopia currently provides easyJet Holidays’ Atol cover. EasyJet acquired its own Atol at the start of July to comply with new regulations, which require package protection for flight-plus-car-hire bookings.
Wilson said: “I’m excited to be joining easyJet and for the opportunity to create a serious player in the holiday’s market. EasyJet is a brand which is loved by millions and has a frequency, cost position and market share that is the envy of the industry.
“It is building on these strengths that will help to deliver an attractive and compelling proposition for easyJet Holidays. I look forward to creating an industry leading team and a network of the best partners across Europe to drive the growth of the business in the coming years.”
Johan Lundgren added: “Garry joins us with over 20 years-experience in the holiday sector, his knowledge combined with the great brand and efficient model that easyJet has will help us to develop a significant holidays business.”
More: EasyJet Holidays names Tui’s Garry Wilson chief executive in expansion drive [May 18]
EasyJet names new chief executive [November 17]