TUI Travel chief executive Peter Long will take over the company’s specialist and activity sector next month from John Wimbleton.
Wimbleton, managing director of the division, will leave at the end of December after 22 years with TUI.
According to a statement, the pair have been discussing for "a number of months", the future of the sector and Wimbleton’s "personal aspirations".
"After 22 years with the Group and 35 in the industry, John feels that now is the right time to enjoy a much deserved sabbatical during which he plans to travel extensively," said the statement.
"Peter will take the opportunity to spend time with each management team to understand the plans they have to continue to successfully grow their businesses. Until John leaves, he will work with Peter over the next few months on a smooth and successful transition."
Wimbleton said it had been a privilege to work with some of the finest individuals in the industry at TUI.
Long added: "John has been a key member of my management team since I joined the Group in 1996 and has contributed greatly to the success of both First Choice and TUI Travel.
"John is a very popular and well respected colleague in the group and is well known within the UK leisure travel industry. It has been a pleasure to have worked with him over the past 16 years and I will miss him both personally and professionally. I would like to thank John for his commitment and contribution to the group over the years and wish him every success for the future."
