Thomson and Island Cruises’ commercial manager Phil Gardner is joining rival Thomas Cook UK & Ireland.
He has been recruited as head of merchandising, reporting to commercial director Chris Mottershead.
Gardner will focus on bridging the commercial functions of product, yield, retail and online, driving greater collaboration and enhanced commercial decision-making across the business, according to the company.
He was previously responsible for the strategic direction for all commercial aspects of the Tui UK cruise business.
Thomas Cook UK & Ireland managing director, Salman Syed, said: “The position is key in continuing to improve our core proposition and focus on communicating it in the most relevant way to our customers.
“The quality of the products and services we offer has always been central to Thomas Cook’s philosophy, and Phil’s arrival will help to further improve our performance, ensuring that Thomas Cook remains the most loved and trusted brand in travel.”
Gardner said: “I am really looking forward to working closely with all the internal teams across the tour operation and distribution divisions as well as our external partners on driving the next phase in Thomas Cook’s development.”