Jackson to head standalone somewhere2stay
Former Cosmos commercial and product director Stuart Jackson is to head online arm somewhere2stay which becomes a standalone business.
He will report into Monarch Airlines chief executive Peter Brown and remain based in the group’s Bromley offices.
The decision to split somewhere2stay from Cosmos follows rapid growth in the accommodation-only and ancillary sectors, the company said.
Jackson said “This has been driven jointly by the continuing independent nature of customers and the retail sector now being technologically powered to create ‘dynamic packages’.
“The challenge now is to continue to leverage benefits from the group companies of Monarch, Cosmos and Avro, whilst demonstrating to the trade that our commitment to provide extensive and competitive product will expand, be powered by new technology and functionality and will deliver a one stop solution for their self-packaging needs.”
Additional appointments to the business include, Kevin Currie as general manager, joining from First Choice and Caron Lockwood as product & yield manager who moves internally from the Cosmos mainstream product division.
Meanwhile a new senior management team has been established at the combined Cosmos air and coach businesses following the departure of former boss Terry Williamson.
Hugh Morgan is promoted to overseas and product director covering all holiday brands while retaining his previous responsibility for UK and overseas operations.
Michael Vinales becomes aviation director in addition to his role as managing director of flight-only arm Avro.
Andy Washington retains his role as sales director across all brands and has his remit expanded to include call centres.
Cosmos Holidays marketing director Trevor Inch takes the new role of marketing and distribution director, including e-commerce activity.
Richard Mintern continues as group information officer and Richard Francis continues as finance director.
New managing director Paul Joliffe said: “I am delighted to be able to announce a team which has such a wealth of management experience, expertise and professionalism and have no doubt that the merger of our two tour operations will be a smooth one.”
Report by Phil Davies
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