Powell moves to Spain in Thomson rejig

Thomson Holidays managing director Shaun Powell is being transferred to Spain as part of a European restructure by the company’s owner, German travel giant Preussag.

Preussag, which bought Thomson Travel Group (TTG) last year, is renaming the company TUI UK. Thomson Holidays will be merged with distribution businesses Lunn Poly and Travel House to save costs. The three brand names will continue to exist separately.

The rationalisation will lead to 400 job cuts in the UK, and raises questions about marketing. TUI UK is likely to have just one overall marketing boss. Tom Noble is marketing director of Thomson Holidays and Hugh Edwards is marketing and new media director at Lunn Poly.

Powell will have responsibility for both incoming and outgoing tourist operations. Spain is Preussag’s single biggest destination and Powell will report to the Preussag executive board. Preussag says it is looking for a replacement for Powell.