Thomas Cook Group has announced the appointment of Gilles Despas in the role of chief digital officer. 

Gilles will join the business in February 2016, and will also sit on the company’s group executive committee.

In his new role, Gilles will take responsibility for digital sales performance across the group and lead on the strategy for all future digital development and delivery.

The continued development of Thomas Cook Group’s digital offering is central to the company’s strategy for profitable growth and Gilles will help it further develop its online presence in order to provide customers with the best experience, however and wherever they choose to interact with the company.                                     

Gilles joins Thomas Cook Group from HolidayCheck AG, the leading travel portal in Germany, where he was chief executive. 

Prior to that he gained substantial experience in international e-commerce working for travel brands including STA Travel and ebookers.com, where he served as managing director continental Europe for ten years. 

Gilles will be based at the group headquarters in London, taking over from interim group head of digital operations, Graham Cook, who took on the role in August 2015.

Peter Fankhauser, chief executive, Thomas Cook Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome such an experienced executive in the European online travel sector to Thomas Cook.

“Gilles has a proven track record in international e-Commerce and I am confident he will play a key role in delivering an even better experience for Thomas Cook customers however and wherever they want to interact with us. 

“His appointment is a further example of the high calibre team we are building at Thomas Cook.”