TUI Travel has announced the new management line-up for its merged distribution business.
TUI Travel UK distribution director Derek Jones said the new structure reflects the company’s plans to operate two brands – Thomson and First Choice – on the high street and overseas.
There are currently no plans to replace First Choice Retail managing director Cheryl Powell, who has moved into a new role as managing director of Sunsail Clubs.
The new structure sees Rad Sofronijevic made director of retail sales and operations for First Choice and Kathryn Ward made director of retail sales and operations for Thomson. They will work together to identify best practice synergies between the two shop networks.
Natalie Hufton becomes director of sales, responsible for all distribution commercial teams including retail marketing, third party suppliers and foreign exchange. She will also help with the integration of the two businesses alongside Helen Deegan, head of distribution integration.
New head of sales Max Mason, previously at First Choice, will report directly into Hufton and will be responsible for third-party sales for Thomson and First Choice.
Linda Addy becomes director of property for the joint management team, which includes responsibility for managing all group properties including the retail estate. Graeme Ferguson, head of property for First Choice Retail, remains in the team reporting to Addy.
Roy Myhill remains managing director of Flexi Travel, an independent business unit that deals with product such as flight-only sales. Lorraine Dempsey becomes head of call centres and virtual call centres, responsible for all sales call centres within First Choice and Thomson including the Virtual Call Centre operation.
Head of call centre operations Julia Sockett, previously at First Choice, now reports into Dempsey. Kay Dixon will continue to head up the Stockton call centre operation with Avril Curnow and Neil Curnow.