EasyJet brand head Simmons moves on

easy%20jetPaul Simmons, head of brand marketing at easyJet, is leaving the budget airline. It is understood that Simmons has a new job in Dubai, but it is unclear what it is.

It is not clear whether the airline is seeking a replacement for Simmons or who will handle his responsibilities in the meantime.

Simmons joined easyJet in June 2006 replacing David Meliveo, who was brand and marketing manager. His responsibilities included advertising, e-commerce, market research, product definition (including new product development) and distribution strategy.

His career spans nearly 20 years, initially in the packaged-goods arena with Procter & Gamble, SC Johnson and Kelloggs. Later he joined the hospitality and hotel sector as global vice president of marketing at Intercontinental and executive vice president at the luxury operator Oberoi Hotels.

In July this year, easyJet announced that it expects full-year pre-tax profit to fall as much as 45% because of higher fuel expenses.

The airline recently announced a price cut on the point-of-sale booking fees it charges the travel agents to a fixed price of £3.30 after a number of travel agents boycotted it. It previously charged £5 for every seat booked by the agents via its Global Distribution Systems.

The airline appointed Ogilvy Advertising, Ogilvy One and OMD Europe as its agencies in 2006 before Simmons took over the role.