Monarch Travel Group managing director Phil Boggon will leave the business at the end of next month.
Boggon’s abrupt departure was announced this afternoon. Richard Francis, finance director of Monarch tour operator Cosmos Holidays, will take over as managing director.
He will also replace Boggon on the Monarch group executive committee and report directly to chief executive Andrew Swaffield.
Francis has been with Cosmos for more than 14 years.
Swaffield said: “I’m very pleased to announce Richard’s appointment and welcome him to the executive committee.
“His 20 years of tour operating experience, the majority with Cosmos, will be a huge asset to our executive team.”
Swaffield said: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Phil the very best for his future and thank him for his commitment and outstanding contribution to the tour operating division.
“Phil and Richard have been working together for some time and I’m confident we will see a seamless transition to Richard’s leadership.”
Francis said “I’m delighted to be moving into the role of managing director of the tour operator.
“Having been with the company for some years I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to this new role and working closely with the executive committee to achieve our objective of creating a sustainably profitable business.”