Industry outsider appointed to head Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook has announced Harriet Green will succeed Sam Weihagen as Group chief executive. Green will join the group on July 30th, as the struggling tour operator continues to implement a cost cutting plan designed to ensure its survival. Sam Weihagen will step down from the board at the same time, but will remain with the group until September to ensure a seamless transition. Thomas Cook Group chairman, Frank Meysman, said: “Harriet is an extremely successful executive with the right combination of international, business transformation and ecommerce experience that we need to take the Group forward, and build on our strong reputation and brand. “I am confident that she will be an excellent leader for the Group management team as we continue our transformation.” Green is currently chief executive of Premier Farnell and a non-executive director of BAE Systems and the Fortune 200 company, Emerson Electric Co. She has extensive experience of driving business transformation and change programmes globally. At Premier Farnell she has overseen a period of significant strategic change, driving industry leading returns and creating a cost-effective multi-channel operation where the majority of business is now transacted through ecommerce channels. Green commented: “Thomas Cook is an iconic brand in the leisure travel industry. “I am very excited to be joining the team at this time, to lead the business forward as we rebuild shareholder value through innovation and a sustained focus on the needs of our customers, suppliers and employees.”