First Choice hires head of Web strategy

First Choice has promoted head of new product development Sam Turnbull so that he has overall managerial responsibility for its new e-commerce division.

Turnbull, who will sit on the board as director for e-commerce, reports to sales and distribution director John Wimbledon and Dermot Blastland, managing director for the UK and Ireland.

Turnbull has recently worked on e-commerce projects but he will now devote all of his time to developing and implementing First Choice’s Internet strategy.

First Choice recently launched online travel agency Travelchoice.com. From this summer, its airline – Air 2000 – will offer charter seats through a new website.

The travel company recently signed deals with Open, NTL and Telewest to offer holidays through interactive TV.

A First Choice spokeswoman says it is too early to say whether the new e-commerce division will have a dedicated marketing department.