Former Co-operative Travel Management managing director Anthony Rissbrook has joined Hillgate Travel as managing director.

Rissbrook has been charged with driving the autumn launch of a new technology platform and capitalising on the travel management company’s recent move to central London, where it has set up a European operations centre.

Rissbrook reports into chairman Jeremy Bull, who contacted him after news of The Co-operative Travel’s merger with Thomas Cook. “He will bring an experienced and fresh approach to our business,” he said.

Rissbrook,  a former executive member of the Guild of Travel Management Companies, said it was the “right time and the right company” to take up the role.