Lastminute says Thomas Cook director is not Martha replacement

Lastminute has appointed Richard Bowden-Doyle to run its UK businesses, but says he is not the replacement for Martha Lane-Fox. Mr Bowden-Doyle, aged 43, comes from Thomas Cook UK, where he was group development director. He has extensive experience in the travel industry – as well as working at Thomas Cook he was chief operating officer at The Trainline.com, managing director of Thomson Holidays and marketing director of Lunn Poly. Lastminute.com chief executive and founder, Brent Hoberman told TravelMole that the md role is a hugely expanded UK role. “What has been said in the press about him being a replacement for Martha Lane Fox is not the case. She reported to me as number two, and Ian McCaig now has this role.” Mr McCaig took over from Ms Lane Fox when she stood down as managing director in November. Previous UK managing director was Helen Webb who is currently on maternity leave. Mr Hoberman told TravelMole that since she has been on maternity leave her job has changed. He said the company is currently negotiating with Ms Webb about staying on. In his role as UK managing director Mr Bowden-Doyle will look after all UK brands except Holiday Autos UK and Ireland, which is overseen by Mathew Hart. Mr Bowden-Doyle will report to chief operating officer, Mr McCaig. Mr Hoberman says the company needs a UK managing director following numerous acquisitions, the latest of which was the purchase of hotel and conference booking agency, First Option. Mr Hoberman said: “Richard has an excellent track record of delivering high levels of customer satisfaction and successful business management at the highest level and it’s great to have him on the team.”