Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways UK chief executive Giles Hawke is to leave the business this summer after seven years, the company has confirmed.
Hawke has been with the touring and river cruise specialist since April 2016, having previously been UK & Ireland managing director and then executive director of MSC Cruises.
The announcement of his departure follows that of the operator’s sales and marketing director Janet Parton, who will leave this summer to join Celestyal Cruises as vice-president of business development for the UK, Europe and Australia. The company confirmed the two departures were unconnected.
Prior to joining Cosmos, Hawke held a range of senior sales and director roles within Carnival UK for over a decade and also held director roles at Highlife Breaks and Tui.
He is a board member and founding chair of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers (Atas) and also serves on the Clia executive committee and Abta membership committee.
No details have been revealed of Hawke’s future plans, and Cosmos said a recruitment process was underway for his successor.
Hawke said: “The last seven years have flown by, and I cannot thank the team enough for their commitment, professionalism, and dedication.
I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved both externally with our trade partners and customers and internally with the service we offer and the culture we’ve created. Making the decision to leave has been extremely difficult.”
A statement from Globus said: “Throughout [Hawke’s tenure], the companies have gone from strength to strength with increased product, services and business growth working with the travel trade and direct to the consumer.
“Giles is renowned across the travel industry for his breadth of knowledge, insight, and innovation as well as his total commitment to customer service.”
The statement added: “Giles will be leaving the company at the end of the summer and starting a new role in the autumn. Recruitment is already underway for a successor to lead the UK business.
“This process is being headed up by the company’s talented leadership team who will be working with the CEO and ensuring a seamless transition.”
More: Janet Parton to join Celestyal as vice-president of business development
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