easyJet has announced that it has appointed Jacky Simmonds as group people director and that she will join the airline on January 4th 2016.

Prior to this appointment Simmonds was TUI Group’s global human resources director, having worked for TUI for fifteen years.

She is also a non-executive director of Wolseley PLC where she is chair of the Remuneration Committee. 

Simmonds will succeed Alita Benson who has been the airline’s group people director since 2011.

Benson left easyJet for “personal reasons” according to a statement from the company.

Carolyn McCall, chief executive, easyJet, commented on the appointment: “I am delighted to announce Jacky’s appointment to this key role at easyJet.

“Not only is Jacky a proven FTSE 100 Group HR Director but she also has a wealth of experience in the travel industry.

“I would also like to thank Alita for her contribution to the airline.

“Both within the people team and in the airline, she has helped retain and grow talent and she had added real value by working as a great partner to the business.”

easyJet employs more than 10,000 staff across Europe.