ROGER Burnell insisted he still wants the chief executive job at Thomson despite a battering from the City over the operator’s poor performance.
He denied the role is a poisoned chalice, saying it is ‘the best job in the travel industry’.
Burnell’s handling of an unenviable situation certainly won favour with the City, which, from being highly sceptical of his claims for the job, is now tipping him to get it.
He made the right noises by announcing plans to cut capacity and by placing profitability above everything else.
But doubt still lingers. Burnell has held the senior position of chief operating officer in a business that has struggled since its flotation last year.
Asked whether it needs fresh blood at the top, Burnell said: “That is a decision for the non-executive board.
“Of course, no-one is more disappointed than I am about the performance. But I recognise the enormity of the challenge and believe a team led by me can put it right.”
Although it is thought external candidates are being considered, Thomson, and the City, would prefer someone who already knows the industry.
A decision is expected by Christmas.