THOMSON is expected to shed jobs as chief executive Charles Gurassa continues to reshape his management team and streamline the business.
In a raft of further changes announced by Gurassa, acting managing director Shaun Powell has been appointed managing director of Thomson Holidays with former MD and head of UKdistribution Richard Bowden-Doyle appointed director of change programme.
The shake-up also sees Crystal International Travel Group managing director Andy Perrin promoted to specialist holidays managing director with responsibility for Simply Travel, Magic Travel Group, Something Special, Breakaway, Port Philip Group, Blakes and Holiday Cottage businesses.
Meanwhile, chief operating officer Roger Burnell, who contested Gurassa for the chief executive job, is leaving along with company secretary Mark Knight and Ian Smith, chairman of Crystal, Breakaway and Port Philip. Communications director Russell Amerasekera is also expected to quit after Gurassa decided the role did not warrant a board position.
Gurassa also announced the promotion of Lunn Poly managing director Nigel David to managing director of UK distribution, while Ole Oftedal, chief executive of its Nordic operation Fritidsresor, becomes MD of Thomson International with responsibility for its Polish and Irish businesses. Independent Holiday Group managing director Peter Chappelow will leave the board to become chief executive of Holiday Cottages and Port Philip.
Gurassa said the changes will cut costs and create a more efficient structure. But more jobs are likely to go.
Gurassa said Bowden-Doyle’s new role, which will last for around 18 months, was crucial for the group.
“Richard will oversee all the changes we intend to make in the way we do business,” said Gurassa. “It is a board position.”
Meanwhile, Thomson has poached Ed Aspel from Whitbread to become marketing director.