Sue Biggs has been appointed director general of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Biggs left her role as Thomas Cook’s managing director of scheduled business last year after 30 years in the travel industry, and starts her new job in August.
After founding Budget Holidays’ tour operation in the US, she had a 25-year career at Kuoni, becoming managing director in 1999, before moving to Cook.
Biggs is a long-standing member of the RHS and has reportedly designed gardens for friends.
She described the role as a dream come true.
RHS president Giles Coode-Adams said: “I am delighted to welcome Sue to the RHS.
“She brings a wealth of business experience, combined with a real love of plants and gardening, and has the vision to help us realise the full potential of this marvellous organisation.”