FIRST Choice general manager long-haul John Riley is
believed to be the first casualty of planned job cuts following a
wide-ranging business review designed to slash costs by £10
million.
The operator has confirmed Riley, who has a 12-year history with
First Choice, left on Monday. Riley also held responsibility for
direct brand Eclipse, Unijet and its Disneyland Resort Paris
programme.
The company said Riley’s role had been axed following a
restructure of the product department and said other product
division staff were in consultation over proposed changes to their
roles.
Riley reported to product director Tim Williamson.
A spokeswoman said: “There has been a change in structure in the
product department which unfortunately means John Riley’s
role has gone.”
However, industry sources claim Riley is the first in a
“reasonably significant” number of cuts following the conclusion of
the review, named Project Eden, and had been an early target
because of his seniority and subsequent pay level.
“Times are very tough and overheads have to be cut,” said
one.
The review has been led internally by IT director Peter Cudmore
with external consultants PA Consulting.
The news follows plans of a shake-up across First Choice’s
specialist brands which has seen at least 25 jobs go.