Massive changes at MyTravel

Thursday, 12 Sep, 2003 0

Steve Endacott, the recently promoted deputy chief operating officer of MyTravel, has left the company as part of a major shake-up of the UK charter and distribution business.

The restructure will see the operating companies of the UK core business merged into one unit under a single management team led by Kevin McCartern. This will incorporate Airtours Holidays, Going Places, HolidayLine, MyTravelLite, MyTravelAirways UK, Sun Cruises, Hotels Division, White Horse Insurance and eMedia Commercial.

MyTravel’s specialist UK tour operators, Bridge, Cresta, Direct Holidays, Panorama/Manos and Tradewinds, will continue to operate as before, but will now report to MyTravel UK chief executive Duncan Wilson.

Mr Wilson said: “We are simplifying the business so that, over the next twelve months, nine operating companies become one business, led by one management board, with one set of accounts. This will enable us to eliminate an enormous number of internal financial transactions.

“This restructuring is an essential part of MyTravel’s turnaround. I am confident that its successful implementation will continue the good work that has already begun. Our new structure for the UK charter and distribution business will ensure progress accelerates and that we regain our leading position in this industry.”

As part of the changes, Tim Clancy, previously Airtours Holidays deputy managing director, becomes distribution and customer service director. Direct Holidays managing director Rick Green will now also take on the role of UK trading director. Retail distribution managing director Dave Harris becomes change programme director.

Mr Endacott only joined the troubled firm last August, taking on the post of commercial director for the UK charter and retail distribution businesses. When he arrived at MyTravel it was widely believed he could be the person to revive the ailing firm’s fortunes.

eMedia commercial director John Anderson also loses his job as a result of the shake-up.

Meanwhile group finance director Aidan Connolly will lead a project to create one fully integrated finance function from the existing Group and UK core finance structures.

MyTravel shares fell by 3.5p to close at 17p yesterday.