Bowden-Doyle promoted in Thomson restructure

The UK’s largest tour operator, Thomson Holidays, is reorganising into two divisions, placing greater emphasis on specialised holidays.

As part of the restructure, Thomson marketing director Richard Bowden-Doyle has been promoted to deputy managing director. But he retains control of marketing as well as other responsibilities.

Bowden-Doyle will report to managing director Charles Newbold. No new marketing director will be appointed.

Bowden-Doyle will be in charge of Thomson’s core business – beach holidays, both long and short haul – which account for about 80 per cent of the company’s operations.

New purchasing director David Harper, who joins from a similar role at NatWest, will report to Bowden-Doyle, as will David Parkins who is holiday services director.

The specialist holiday side of the business concentrates on city breaks, ski, lake and mountain holidays.

This division was formerly the responsibility of Steve Allen, who quit as commercial director several weeks ago to join Resort Condominium International. Allen has been replaced by Steve Garley, previously purchasing director.

Thomson says the specialist sector of the market is growing significantly, while the more traditional beach holiday sector is showing slower growth. Garley’s role has been expanded to reflect this situation.

Garley will appoint a general manager for cruises reporting to him, which is a new development. This also reflects the company’s belief that this area of the holiday market demands more attention.

Garley will also cover Thomson’s direct holiday arm, Portland Holidays, headed by Nigel David, who will report to Garley, as will Claire Wilson, relationship marketing director.