Federation of Tour Operators director general and ABTA head of development Andy Cooper is quitting to join Thomas Cook.
He will become government and external affairs director for the travel group in July.
Cooper, previously MyTravel head of legal services, joined the FTO in 2003.
At Thomas Cook he will reporting to group director of PR and communications Alexis Coles-Barrasso.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “ Andy has contributed enormously since the merger of ABTA and FTO and we are sorry to see him go.
“However, it’s good news that he is remaining in the industry and will be working for one of our important Members where I am sure he will be of tremendous value and continue to have a close association with ABTA.”
Cooper said: "Working for FTO and ABTA, and representing the entire travel industry has been a fantastic experience for me, so I knew that it would take a very special opportunity to prise me away.
“The role at Thomas Cook is a fantastic chance to work for, and represent the best known name in the travel industry, and make a major contribution to the future success of a great company."
Coles-Barrasso said: “We are delighted to have Andy joining us at what is a very exciting time of our development.
“His vast experience and knowledge will help us make significant progress in the important area of government relations and lobbying.”
by Phil Davies
