Cook unveils new UK senior team and departure of Constanti

Thomas Cook has revealed its new UK management structure, and also confirmed that chief people officer and global head of destination management Pete Constanti will leave the business at the end of the year.

In an announcement to staff today, UK chief executive Peter Fankhauser confirmed the appointment of Uli Sperl from Thomas Cook AG as product and yield director overseeing all Cook’s UK tour operating brands and wider leisure travel products.

The appointment of an over-arching role reflects Fankhauser’s desire to move away from the previous division of tour operations into mainstream and independent businesses.

Other appointments announced today included the promotion of newly-appointed marketing director Mike Hoban to marketing, sales & e-commerce director, and the promotion of former transformation director David Taylor to chief financial officer.

Hotels4U founder Haim Perry will become hotel purchasing director, but a new position of service and quality director is yet to be filled. Joanna Wild has already been unveiled as the firm's new retail director.

Fankhauser said: “Today marks the next step in the transformation of the UK business.  A new leadership team, focused on the UK and taking on new and enlarged roles, will unite our teams.

“Together with our colleagues, we will bring together the strengths of what was formerly our mainstream and independent businesses, working more effectively and increasing our focus on the customer.”

Cook has also confirmed that Pete Constanti will be leaving at the end of the year, just two months after he was appointed to his new role.

Constanti reported direct to group chief executive Harriet Green, and is the latest in a string of departures which include mainstream and independent chiefs Ian Ailles and Phil Aird-Mash, chief commercial officer Neil Morris, chief financial officer Michelle MacMahon and retail chief executive Simon Robinson.

A company spokesperson confirmed Constanti was leaving after 21 years with Cook, and added: “Pete’s existing team will continue to report to him until December 31. We wish him every success for the future and thank him for his commitment to Thomas Cook over the years.”