Chris Thompson will stand down after 15 years in post to pursue a new career in the technology sector.

Chairman Peter Dyer revealed the news on Tuesday (March 5).

Dyer founded Crystal Holidays before selling the business to Thomson, now Tui.

He went on to acquire Ski Esprit and Ski Total, now part of Hotelplan, and is a former chairman of Iglu Ski.

He acquired Ski Famille in November 2013.

“Peter and I have worked really well together since his acquisition,” said Thompson, adding after 15 years, he was leaving to pursue a new challenge.

Hope, meanwhile, was previously product development director at Hotelplan, working across its Inghams, Esprit Ski, Ski Total and Santa’s Lapland.

“Ian and I have worked together for many years... more recently at Inghams,” said Dyer.

“We have a great team at Ski Famille and with Ian’s added energy and experience, this is an exciting new chapter for Ski Famille.”