Endacott to join MyTravel in headhunting spree

MYTRAVEL boss Duncan Wilson is on the lookout for new talent after admitting the company has lost some of its best managers to rivals in recent years.

The first signing is former Airtours sales and commercial director Steve Endacott, due to join as MyTravel commercial director for the UK charter and retail distribution businesses this summer. Two more senior appointments are due within weeks.

Sources suggest Airtours Holidays managing director Seamus Conlon and all charter and retail brand MDs will report into Endacott.

Wilson, recently promoted to MyTravel UK and Ireland chief executive, said there were no plans to fill his former position as deputy chief executive.

“In recent years we’ve been a net exporter of talent to competitors and other parts of the group. We have to put aside the current furore over our results and get on with running the business. The way to do this is to have the best team,” he said.

The group has lost Peter Rothwell, Chris Mottershead and Will Waggott to arch rival Thomson within the last 18 months. But group chief executive Tim Byrne added: “This is not a religious order. You don’t have to put yourself in for life. We’re always trying to bring in new skills.”

Observers say the move could redress Airtours’ disastrous pricing policy over the last six months which has seen it lose ground to Thomson. “They’ve lost the ability to get product to market at the right price,” said one source.

The City, which has condemned the group for having a weak management team, gave a lukewarm response to Endacott’s appointment. “At least MyTravel recognises there are management issues. It’s lost its way over the last few years,” said one analyst.

Eastcastle Management Group MD Michael East welcomed the move to bring Endacott back into the fold. “He’s one of the best traders in the industry, particularly in yield management and distribution, an area where Airtours has fallen behind,” he said.

Endacott, described by one Big Four rival as an outspoken character who delivers and makes decisions, will be required to sell off shares in his existing businesses. His brief is to co-ordinate marketing and commercial support between charter operators Airtours, Panorama and Manos, and the shops, call centres and website.