Thomas Cook moots review of 6m advertising account

Thomas Cook Group is understood to be in the early stage of a review of its £6m advertising account. It is thought the travel company is in talks with intermediaries with a view to handling the pitch.

The new travel company, formed from the merger of Thomas Cook and MyTravel earlier this year, has completed a major restructure of its marketing team.

Thomas Cook marketing director Simon Carter was promoted to the board-level role of executive director of marketing at the enlarged company in June. His counterpart at MyTravel, former group marketing director Tim Marsden is leaving the company without a job to go to (MW last week).

Thomas Cook does not have a retained advertising agency after parting company with TBWA/London at the end of 2005 but BLM handles its media planning and buying. MyTravel, which was previously known as Airtours and includes a number of sub-brands including Going Places, Panorama, Cresta and Direct Holidays, works with Clear Marketing Communications and MediaVest Manchester.

Carter’s team includes head of channel marketing Jonathan Smith and head of brand marketing for specialist brands Darren Stott. The latter positions will focus mainly on cruises but will include direct-sell holidays.

Thomas Cook chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa has taken on the same role in the merged group. Although MyTravel chief executive Peter McHugh will remain as joint chief executive to oversee the merger, he is expected to leave at the end of the year.

Thomas Cook denies that it is reviewing its advertising.