It’s the end for Steve

THE trade has reacted with shock at the sudden departure of MyTravel UK deputy chief operating officer Steve Endacott – a mere 13 months after taking the job.

Endacott’s departure follows a restructure of MyTravel’s core UK business in which Endacott’s role has disappeared, along with that of EMedia commercial director John Anderson.

Sources close to the company claim staff are “shell-shocked”, with morale at an all-time low and further job cuts feared.

Endacott’s return to MyTravel in August 2002 was seen as a move to address its pricing policy and bolster its management team. But after a series of profit warnings at the end of last year, the company issued a new warning in August blaming poor yield management and pricing decisions made last year.

Sources close to Endacott said he is carrying the can for MyTravel’s ongoing financial woes.

“Had he realised the scale of the task ahead he would never have rejoined the company,” said one source.

Another added: “People are shell-shocked, and fear more bad news to come. Endacott is being used as a whipping boy, but this leaves very few people at senior level who know anything about tour operating. Steve has his rough edges, but he knows what he’s doing.”

MyTravel UK and Ireland chief executive Duncan Wilson said the split was amicable.

“This is by no means an indictment of Steve Endacott’s performance this year. He has worked very hard and contributed a great deal to the business.”

Endacott declined to comment.