Interim group chief executive of Thomas Cook Sam Weihagen has urged staff to “stay focused” after Manny Fontenla-Novoa left the business today.
In an email to staff, Weihagen said: “By now you will have seen the communication from Manny regarding his decision to step down from his role. As deputy to the group chief executive, the board has asked me to take on the role in the interim, while they conduct a search for a permanent successor.
“We are at the height of the summer season in the majority of our markets, so with just seven weeks to go in this financial year, it is important that we stay focused on making the most of the next few weeks.”
He said the company had brought forward the release of its interim management statement for the third quarter of the 2010/11 financial year, which was originally planned for August 11, to update the market on Manny’s decision and explain the “actions we’re taking to grow external confidence in the group’s financial position”.
Weihagen said: “Today’s announcements are important ones, which I appreciate may draw some questions from you. We welcome your feedback and are happy to answer any of your questions, so please do not hesitate to get in touch.”
Link: Profile of Sam Weihagen.