TUI Travel UK’s marketing and product director Tim Williamson has confirmed his management team following the merger between Thomson and First Choice.
First Choice product director Jeannette Linfoot is considering other options both inside the group and externally as she wishes to broaden her experience beyond the core product area, the company said.
Thomson head of marketing and brand development Andrew Rayner has decided to leave the mainstream marketing team after more than six years “as he is looking for career progression beyond that offered within the new structure”.
Head of brand strategy is Andrew Laurillard, responsible for the development and management of the brand portfolio, ensuring that each brand has a unique customer proposition that also meets the business objectives. A customer insight team (research and analytics) will report to him.
Jeremy Ellis becomes head of innovation and CRM, responsible for developing and delivering world-class product and service innovation, according to the company.
“Of utmost importance to the continued success of the brands is a strong and exciting innovation pipeline and excellent customer retention strategies,” the company said.
Head of PR Emma Waddell, formerly at First Choice, will manage both the First Choice and Thomson PR teams, working with the brand teams developing a tone and style of external communication for each of the key brands that reflects its positioning and target audience.
Head of product Alan Pugh will manage the product team, developing a range that is “clearly targeted” at the operator’s customer segments. His primary objective will be to design and deliver a product strategy, which supports both the business five-year plan and the requirements of customers. Publishing teams (including design) will also report to Pugh.
by Phil Davies
