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Ian Ailles to continue strategy work for Thomas Cook – 11 Jan 2007

Thomas Cook managing director of specialist businesses Ian Ailles, who has left after ten years, is to continue to consult with the business on strategic projects.

Ailles has been working one day a week on strategic projects with chief executive and now group chairman Manny Fontenla-Novoa since his official departure on December 31.

Ailles had been tipped for the role of running a combined business should an acquisition of First Choice’s mainstream business go ahead.

As MD of specialist businesses, Ailles had been in charge of the sale of the Neilson, Club 18-30, Sunworld Ireland and Style Holidays brands since the start of last year. However, the company decided in November the brands were best kept “within the family”. But Ailles admitted: “I am a big believer in never say never.”

His former role has now been absorbed under the role of UK and Ireland chief financial officer Juergen Bueser.

Ailles, who started at Thomas Cook as group financial controller and became group financial director, had discussed leaving the company Fontenla-Novoa for more than a year in order to spend more time with his family.

“I had already decided I wanted to take some time out,” he said.

Ailles said he was now in talks with a number of companies about potential opportunities. “I am talking to some people but I am not in a rush,” he added.

Ailles is already a junior investor in SpeedFerries, a company in which former Airtours boss David Crossland and former Thomas Cook boss Alan Stewart have both invested. He is also considering a non-executive position at an engineeering company.

He remains chariman of the Federation of Tour Operators.

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