Cosmos marketing chief loses out in shake-up

Cosmos sales and marketing director Paul Riches has been left without a job following a management restructure at the tour operator.

Riches’ role has now been split between two other directors. The move was instigated by Nigel Wright, managing director of Cosmos, who believes marketing is the responsibility of the director in charge of products.

Wright has also decided that the tour operator does not need a specific director in charge of sales and marketing.

Stuart Jackson, the commercial director of Cosmos responsible for products, will now have responsibility for marketing. Andy Claridge, customer delivery director, has been put in charge of sales.

Riches confirms he will stay in his role for the next two months to enable a smooth handover. He adds that he does not have a job to go to but is “keeping his options open”.

A Cosmos statement says that another role within the company is a possibility.

Riches has worked at Cosmos for two years as sales and marketing director. Before joining the tour operator, he was national sales manager at Panorama.

Since joining Cosmos, Riches has overseen a corporate rebranding and introduced a new corporate logo.