Cosmos managing director Terry Williamson is leaving for a new role with a schools and groups business.
He will join Brighton-based STG Group as chief executive officer.
“I was approached by the venture capital owners, Bomark, to take on the role. Earlier in my travel career I worked in schools and groups for Quest Leisure Travel and now I am returning to this sector,” said Williamson.
His departure has prompted a decision to combine Cosmos Coach Tours and Cosmos Holidays.
Paul Jolliffe, managing director of Cosmos Coach Tours, will take on the role of managing director of the combined businesses.
Jolliffe said: “There are overwhelming operational benefits from combining our air and coach businesses and using the group synergies that exist across the companies.”
Williamson said the decision to combine the businesses was taken following his resignation over a month ago.
“I was not booted out!” he said. “It was all very amicable. Since my resignation we have been reviewing how to structure the business and it makes sense to bring the managememt together. A lot of the management team will be taking on new responsibilities and this will be announced next week,” he said.
“It’s been a tough time for the industry but the Cosmos business is in good shape. We’re in a much better position than we were five years ago.”
By Bev Fearis
