Chris Mottershead has been named as the new managing director of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland. 

Currently commercial director, he will assume his new position from October 1st.

He replaces Salman Syed, who has decided to pursue external opportunities and will be leaving Thomas Cook on October 31st, following a handover period.

The UK business is key to the overall transformation of Thomas Cook Group, and Mottershead’s nomination marks another step in the company’s journey to accelerate the delivery of its strategy for sustainable, profitable growth through the implementation of the new operating model.

He will be responsible for driving the change required to deliver profitable growth, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience through differentiated product including own hotel brands, service improvements and quality assurance.

Peter Fankhauser, chief executive of Thomas Cook Group, said: “Next year marks the 175th anniversary of our company, and Chris is the ideal person to lead the UK business into the next chapter in its history. 

“He enjoys an excellent reputation, with a well-proven vision of meeting the needs of customers in an Omni-channel, technology-driven world.

“His considerable experience within the industry will contribute significantly to the team’s effectiveness and focus, and I am confident that the UK business performance will go from strength to strength under his stewardship.”

Mottershead joined the UK business in April this year as business development director and was named commercial director in July.

He said: “I am delighted to have been entrusted with helping to build and shape the future of the UK business at such an important time in its history. 

“The company has a great heritage and I feel proud and privileged to have been given the opportunity to help further establish Thomas Cook as the preferred choice for the UK travel consumer.”