Fosun is understood to have recruited a number of former Thomas Cook senior executives as it prepares to relaunch the travel group as an online travel agent.
The Chinese conglomerate, which was formerly Thomas Cook’s largest shareholder before its collapse last September, is believed to have appointed former group strategy and technology director Alan French as chief executive and former head of sales, e-commerce and marketing Phil Gardner as head of marketing.
Former finance executive Raj Sharma has also been made chief financial officer, according to The Times.
Fosun will apply for an Atol licence within two weeks ahead of a possible launch date in June.
Fosun Tourism Group, which also owns Club Med, acquired the Thomas Cook brand for £11million last November. The deal also included Cook’s hotel brands Casa Cook and Cook’s Club.
Fosun led a failed rescue deal for Thomas Cook last year which would have seen it taking control of 75% of the company’s tour operating business and up to 25% of its airline in exchange for a £450 million capital injection.
More: Fosun to acquire Thomas Cook brand for £11m [Nov 19]
Thomas Cook brand set for revival as online travel agent [Nov 19]
Tour operators get ‘nasty shock’ from Thomas Cook collapse [Oct 19]
Hays Travel boosts staff numbers in ex-Thomas Cook shops [Jan 20]