Jansen fills Thomson role at Air Miles

The Air Miles Travel Company has appointed Chris Jansen of British Airways as managing director after the sudden departure of Drew Thomson.

Jansen was head of loyalty at British Airways, which owns the Air Miles Travel Company. He will report to BA director of marketing and commercial development Martin George.

Jansen joined British Airways four years ago after holding several sales and marketing roles at Procter & Gamble.

Thomson left Air Miles Travel Company earlier this month after his attempt at a management buy-out was rejected. He put together the bid with Air Miles finance director Robin Wooldridge.

Thomson told Marketing Week that he is working on a new business dedicated to finding solutions, among other things, for retailers involving mobile phone technology (MW May 13). Speculation suggests that former Grey London chief executive Garry Lace will be involved.

Jansen oversaw the relaunch of BA’s Executive Club last year after five regional schemes were merged into one global programme (MW March 13, 2003).

Air Miles repositioned itself as a full travel company last year and has developed links with 18 airlines. It recently revamped its reward offer with Tesco Clubcard. The scheme has been simplified to allow all customers to receive 60 Air Miles for every £2.50 Clubcard voucher instead of 40 (MW May 20).