Neil Morris is to join Thomas Cook as UK chief commercial officer as part of a restructure of the mainstream board.
Morris, who stood down as strategic planning director for Tui Travel in September last year, will be responsible for developing a strategy for all the company’s commercial activity including yield management, revenue management, sales forecasting and capacity management.
Commenting on Morris’ appointment, chief executive for UK mainstream Ian Ailles said: “We are delighted to welcome Neil to Thomas Cook. Neil will bring to bear his extensive knowledge and leadership in shaping our business systems strategy, focusing particularly on our tour operator systems.”
The operator has also appointed a customer director at board level for the first time, with Tony Hopkins taking up the role.
Hopkins, who has been with the company for seven years, will be responsible for all aspects of research and customer insight and his role will work across both the mainstream and independent businesses.
Anna Heather has been appointed as multi-channel director. She will manage the relationships between the UK mainstream business and the online travel agency and work on the new joint venture retail business.
A director of product and purchasing will also be introduced to the board structure.
Other new positions in the mainstream board that have been confirmed today are Michael Johnson as interim marketing director and Kathy Winter as customer service and operations director.
Ailles added: “This strong combination of new and established knowledge, experience and expertise on the mainstream board puts us in an excellent position to move forward and build our bridge to the future in the UK & Ireland, particularly mainstream.”