Virgin Money financial services director Anthony Mooney has been poached by Thomas Cook Group as part of a renewed focus on its financial services offering.
He takes the newly created role of chief financial services officer with responsibilities covering travel insurance, pre-paid travel money cards and the travel firm’s direct debit payment offering.
The appointment was unveiled alongside Cook’s annual financial results this morning.
It comes as the group seeks to expand sales of travel-related services which add value to its customers’ holiday experience.
Cook was one of the first providers in the UK to launch a multi-currency prepaid travel money card – Thomas Cook Cash Passport – and claims to be the first operator to offer payment by direct debit online in the UK, allowing customers to spread out holiday payments.
Mooney will join the business on March 1, 2017, he will sit on the company’s group management committee and report to group chief financial officer Michael Healy.
Cook chief executive Peter Fankhauser said: “It’s clear that Thomas Cook has an opportunity to offer more holiday-related products and services to customers who value the trust and heritage that comes with our brand.
“Anthony has strong experience in developing financial services products, and his appointment is a signal of our ambition to grow this area of the business.”
Mooney added: “I am very excited about the opportunity which exists for financial services at Thomas Cook.
“With the strongest brand in the sector, we have an opportunity to develop the financial services offer and help make travelling with Thomas Cook even easier.”