TUI’s Morgan ‘bows out on a high’

TUI UK sales and marketing director Miles Morgan and Thomsonfly managing director Maurice Boyle are leaving in an unexpected management shake-up, writes Juliet Dennis.

Staff were said to be shocked by Morgan’s sudden departure, which follows TUI UK managing director Peter Rothwell’s decision to shift responsibility for marketing to planning and trading under David Burling, now commercial director.

Speaking exclusively to Travel Weekly, Morgan admitted: “Once you have run a combined sales and marketing function, the thought of running half of it is not something I’d entertain. This was a golden opportunity to move to pastures new.”

He said he left “on a high” with no bad feelings for the company. He added: “I’ve had seven fantastic years and I look back on them with pride.”

Morgan, who joined the group as operations manager for Travel House in 1999, is now on gardening leave. He revealed he may set up his own business, probably outside of the industry.

Other management changes include the appointment of head of new media Graham Donoghue to the board as new media director, reporting to Burling. Retail and commercial director Derek Jones becomes sales director and rejoins the board. He takes on responsibility for managing retail and direct sales resources for the main tour operating business, and for facilities, PR and internal communications.

The roles of airline director and planning and development director have been merged to create the role of airline and planning director, filled by Colin Mitchell, previously planning development director, who replaces Boyle as Thomsonfly MD.

Rothwell said the changes will speed up Thomson’s progress to becoming the country’s top web-based leisure travel company and maximise integration. “The web will become the primary distribution channel for all customers, in shops, call centres or at home. It is vital we take every opportunity to exploit its potential.”