Gurassa vows Thomson identity will stay intact

Chief executive assures trade that sale to Preussag will not affect culture

Gurassa vows Thomson identity will stay intact

Report by STEVE JONES

THOMSON chief executive Charles Gurassa has insisted the operator will not lose its culture or identity under its new German owners.

But while stressing customers will not notice any difference following the £1.8 billion sale to Preussag, Gurassa said the deal will lead to major internal changes which will benefit the business.

Speaking at the ABTA convention in Kos, Gurassa said: “We are always told the Germans are great at planning but Preussag asked us what we wanted when it acquired us.

“Having a German owner does not mean our customers will be put on a German bus with a German guide and made to eat bratwurst for breakfast.

“Our customers will still be on a Thomson holiday and go to accommodation they like.”

He said changes will occur “below the water line” with increased efficiencies created by the joint buying of fuel, information technology systems and aircraft with Preussag.

“We can learn from each other,” said Gurassa.

He added that Preussag will only be interested in building profits, not volume.

He said: “Any fool can add volume but I want to be true to the heritage of Thomson. There is new direction in terms of quality and margins.

“If we continue to be number one then great, but Preussag wants to see a return on its investment. It is not interested if we have 28% market share or 24%.”

In a wide-ranging speech, Gurassa said the high street will remain Thomson’s most important distribution channel but added it was essential to tap into technology.

He said the Internet will provide agents with the selling tools they have previously beenwithout.

“The industry has under-invested in the retail mix and its people,” he added.

Making improvements: Gurassa insisted that changes would only occur ‘below the water line’ at the operator