Gurassa leaves TUI
TUI's airline head Charles Gurassa has left the European travel giant after a boardroom shake-up.
His airline responsibilities will go to Sebastian Ebel, who will be in charge of tourism platforms, including airlines and hotels. Ebel has an IT background and has experience of yield management in airlines and hotels. He has been spearheading the group's internet strategy.
David Pope, leisure analyst at investment fund Brewin Dolphin says: "The fact that Gurassa is leaving is not necessarily a problem," but adds the key is what happens next. He notes: "The only teams that have done well recently are those with significant charter experience," pointing out that First Choice has performed better than MyTravel.
The reorganisation, which sees the departure of another board member, Ralf Corsten, comes as TUI is under pressure to boost efficiency levels. The board has been streamlined, with the central TUI AG board consisting of just four members - chairman Michael Frentzel, finance director Rainer Feuerhake, human resources director Peter Engelen, and Ebel.
Gurassa joined the board of TUI AG (then known as Preussag AG) in 2001 after the latter's takeover of the UK's Thomson Travel Group. He joined Thomson in 1999 from British Airways, where he was director of passenger and cargo business.
COLIN BAKER LONDON
Source: Airline Business
