Thomas Cook has announced the appointment of former Tui Travel retail director Kathryn Darbandi nee Ward as its new UK retail director.
Managing director Salman Syed confirmed the news today, and said she would assume her position at the beginning of April 2015.
Meanwhile Cook’s former retail director Joanna Wild has decided to leave the business “due to recent changes”.
In a statement Cook added that Darbandi would “spearhead retail’s efforts to improve performance, driving the change required to further enhance the customer experience”.
Darbandi was previously retail, contact centres and financial services director for Tui UK, but left the business in September, after 28 years at the company.
In her new role, Thomas Cook said she would lead the company’s retail network, shaping an omni-channel sales strategy and developing a culture of continuous improvement and digital capability.
Darbandi will report into Salman Syed, and will also join the UK Management Team.
Commenting, Syed said: “I’m delighted to announce that Kathryn will be joining us as UK retail director of the Thomas Cook and The Co-operative retail network.
“Kathryn is an accomplished business leader with substantial experience in the sector at a senior level. She is more than accustomed to the fast paced retail environment, and I am confident that the performance of our store network will go from strength to strength under her leadership.”
Management structure
In December, Thomas Cook expanded its retail management team with the appointment of Clive Newton as head of retail north, alongside Jacqui Holt (head of retail central) and Torey Kings-Hodkin (head of retail south).
Reporting into Darbandi, Newton, Holt and Kings-Hodkin will continue to lead the retail teams for Thomas Cook, working closely together to identify best practice synergies across the retail operation.
Also reporting into Darbandi will be Lucy Green (head of retail strategic development), Fraser Millar (head of FE strategy and development) and Kelly Cookes (head of freedom and Copta).
“Ensuring that we have the right management structure in place to support the field team, the stores and our affiliated consortia members is vital in this stage of our development,” Syed said.
“Kathryn’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to the retail operation, which continues to be an integral part of the British high street and a popular way for our customers to book.”
As well as Darbandi’s appointment, Cook has also strengthened its retail team by bringing in Clive Newton as head of retail north.
Also reporting into Ward will be Lucy Green (head of retail strategic development), Fraser Millar (head of FE strategy and development) and Kelly Cookes (head of Freedom and Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors).
