Thomas Cook Group marketing head quits

Thomas%20CookSimon Carter, executive director of marketing at Thomas Cook Group, has left the travel operator. It is not known if he has a new job to go to.

Carter was promoted to the board-level role from marketing director of Thomas Cook in June 2007, after the company’s merger with MyTravel.

Since his promotion, Carter has led a team including: head of channel marketing Jonathan Smith; head of brand marketing, specialist brands, Darren Stott; and head of customer insight Jason Lansell. All three were Thomas Cook marketers prior to its merger with MyTravel.

Carter joined Thomas Cook in October 2006 from the Post Office, where he was interim marketing director (MW October 26, 2006).

He left following the appointment of Gary Hockey-Morley to the top marketing job (MW September 7, 2006).

Carter has worked with several consumer brands in the UK, such as NatWest, EDF Energy and Virgin.

Thomas Cook was not available to comment on Carter’s departure.

Thomas Cook launched a national press campaign last week in a bid to reassure holidaymakers and restore confidence after a series of tour operators went bust.

The holiday operator is reviewing its £9m advertising business. It works with Company of Angels and Clear Marketing.