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Ilkeston’s Chris Smith joins Thomas Cook
The head of Ilkeston Co-op’s travel division is to become accommodation-only and dynamic packing director for Thomas Cook.
Chris Smith is to join the UK & Ireland arm of the travel group on October 2 to strengthen its management team in the growing sector of independent and dynamic holidays.
He moves after 25 years with Ilkeston Co-op, one of the country’s largest single agency businesses.
His role will be to drive a greater share of the component and dynamic sales market.
Thomas Cook UK & Ireland CEO Manny Fontenla-Novoa said: “I am truly delighted that Chris will be joining us. His experience of working in a multi-channel environment, combined with his knowledge of the independent sector, will make him a valuable member of our team and ensure we become a dominant player in the independent market.
“We remain as committed as ever to providing package holidays but the fact is that a growing number of British consumers wish to self package their own holidays and we want to have a strong presence in this important area. Chris is perfectly positioned to take on this challenge and we welcome him to Thomas Cook.”
Smith said: “I’m really excited to work with market leading brand like Thomas Cook. They have the foresight to want to capture the opportunities that we’re currently seeing with the growth of independent holidays and the backing of the management to make it happen.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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