MyTravel appoints new European chief

Monday, 22 Jul, 2002 0

MyTravel Group has announced that ex-Telewest boss Philip Jansen is to head up its European operations.

Mr Jansen who was formerly managing director of Telewest’s consumer division will join the group in September as chief executive of MyTravel Europe, reporting to group chief executive Tim Byrne.

He will be joining the former Airtours at what is looking increasingly like make-or-break time for the company. Mr Byrne has been under pressure since May when the company announced that its interim losses had increased by over £50million and it is widely believed that MyTravel’s smaller rival First Choice is preparing to mount a hostile takeover bid.

The company is also under fire from its rivals as a result of the new Airtours Holidays pricing strategy and related advertising campaign for summer 2003. TUI UK has stopped selling all MyTravel brands as a result of the dispute.

Commenting on Mr Jansen’s appointment Mr Byrne said: “Last year we grew Group operating profits to record levels. This year the events of 11 September cost the Group £59 million in the first quarter – nevertheless expectations following a positive second quarter show the Group has already returned to growth. We want the best people in place to manage that growth and I am delighted to welcome Philip to the MyTravel Group.”

He added: “With the introduction of the MyTravel worldwide distribution brand and the successful launch of MyTravel.com, we are developing one of the world’s foremost leisure travel brands. Philip’s wealth of experience in promoting and growing global brands and managing multi-national organisations will be invaluable in helping us to further build the MyTravel brand and achieve greater efficiency in Europe.”

See this week’s TravelMole Interview with Seamus Conlon, Airtours Holidays

Also see our previous stories:

12 Jul 2002: Airtours gambles on clearer brochure prices
24 Jun 2002: Ryanair’s Tim Jeans to join MyTravel
07 Jun 2002: EC “was wrong” to block Airtours/ First Choice merger
22 May 2002: MyTravel to launch ‘no-frills’ airline
30 Apr 2002MyTravel to increase proportion of seat-only sales