Thomas Cook has recruited ABTA head of public affairs Stephen D’Alfonso to take on the new role of group head of public affairs.
Starting in July, he will report to group communications director Alice Macandrew.
D’Alfonso will be responsible for developing and implementing a government affairs strategy for Thomas Cook working across Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels.
Macandrew said: "I am delighted to have attracted someone of Stephen’s calibre to the team. He brings with him a deep understanding of the industry and its issues, giving him a great basis from which to start to re-establish Thomas Cook as a leading voice for travel and tourism."
D’Alfonso spent six years at ABTA where is said to have been instrumental in developing the body as a leading campaigning force in the industry.
He previously worked for the Westminster-based communications and events consultancy GovNet Communications and started his career in the office of Barry Sheerman MP.
A native Canadian, D’Alfonso graduated from the University of Toronto and has an MSc from the London School of Economics.
