JMC chief quits after power struggle over top T Cook job

Thomas Cook is merging its individual marketing departments for all its brands, and has handed Kevin Styles the company’s top marketing job following a recent downturn in the holiday industry.

Previously Styles was Thomas Cook Distribution marketing director, overseeing the retail, call centre and online businesses. He will now be marketing director for the entire company.

As a result of Styles’ promotion, Lindsey Allardyce, marketing director for the JMC brand, has resigned. Allardyce was with the company for 13 years, joining Thomas Cook as a graduate trainee. Styles has been with the company since November 1999 and has held the position of marketing manager for exchange services, cruise, long-haul and shot breaks. He joined from Sainsbury’s, where he was marketing planning manager.

Styles will oversee marketing for Thomas Cook Holidays, Style Holidays, Time Off, Club 18-30 and its “no-frills brand” JMC.

Along with the other leading companies in its sector, Thomas Cook has implemented a redundancy programme since the terrorist attacks on September 11 seriously affected business. It has announced 560 job cuts and axed its managing director and deputy managing director positions. The redundancies include 400 administrative personnel and 100 JMC cabin crew members.