Thomas Cook reorganises at the top

7th Nov 2013 09:39

Travel group Thomas Cook has completed the realignment of its leadership team, as part of its efforts to 'professionalise' the group. Peter Fankhauser, who has worked for the company for 12 years and is currently Chief Executive for Thomas Cook UK and Continental Europe, has been appointed to the newly created position of Group Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reto Wilhelm, who is currently Managing Director of the group's West/East region, has been promoted to lead the UK business, whilst also continuing to drive the turnaround of the group's French operation. From outside the company, Salman Syed has been appointed to replace Wilhelm as head of the West/East region in December. Thomas Cook said Syed has worked for a number of major international companies across Europe, North America and Asia, including Arrow Electronics and Premier Farnell. Harriet Green, Group Chief Executive, said: "As we continue to drive the Transformation of the Thomas Cook Group, I am pleased to announce the completion of my Executive Committee, another step on our journey to further professionalise the group, break down regional silos and realign leadership responsibilities to accelerate the delivery of our strategy for sustainable profitable growth. "I look forward to leading this strengthened team as we deliver on our targets for 2015 and beyond."NR