10 senior jobs to go at Thomas Cook

A NUMBER of senior management jobs are to go at Thomas Cook following the decision to merge its tour operation and distribution businesses.

Thomas Cook has confirmed up to 10 senior management positions will be axed with the immediate merger of the businesses. These are in addition to the 59 staff likely to be made redundant after the closure of the Crawley-based Accoladia product office following the move to dissolve the Accoladia joint venture.

Thomas Cook chief executive Alan Stewart confirmed: “The cuts are of that number. We are putting the two businesses together – there will always be changes in terms of reporting lines.”

Former tour operations managing director Manny Fontenla-Novoa becomes managing director Thomas Cook distribution and tour operations.

A specialist business division has also been created, to be headed by Accoladia managing director Richard Bowden-Doyle. He will oversee brands including Neilson, Club 18-30, Style Holidays, Sunworld Ireland, Blue Sky Direct and Accoladia.

Former managing director distribution Andrew Windsor takes up a new role with Thomas Cook AG to work on European and international distribution strategies. He will be based in Peterborough and Frankfurt.