Andrew Flintham to leave Tui to head up British Airways Holidays
Harry KembleAndrew Flintham is to leave Tui after 17 years to take up the role of British Airways Holidays’ managing director.
Flintham will succeed Claire Bentley, who will retire from her position at the end of October after 24 years. Neil Swanson, Tui UK and Ireland’s chief marketing officer, will replace Flintham as part of a wider restructure of Tui’s global business.
Prior to becoming Tui’s UK and Ireland managing director in 2018, Flintham held several senior positions with the firm – and at one stage nearly joined Tui’s arch-rival Thomas Cook.
Flintham has more than 25 years’ experience within travel and aviation, including spells with British Airways and First Choice Holidays before joining Tui in 2007.
Ten years later, Flintham – who was then Tui UK and Ireland’s commercial director – agreed to become Thomas Cook’s UK and Ireland managing director.
However, days before Flintham was due to take up the position, Tui managing director UK and Ireland Nick Longman resigned.
Longman’s decision prompted Tui to call its former commercial director and ask him to consider returning as managing director, which he agreed to do.
“I have enjoyed leading Tui in the UK and helping to carve out its leading position," said Flintham. “I very much look forward to returning to the IAG family, to build on the great work that Claire and her team have done in the holiday sector.
“IAG Loyalty has grown exponentially in the past few years, and I look forward to harnessing the power of the Avios eco-system to benefit BA Holidays customers and colleagues.”
Bentley said: “It’s been a difficult decision to retire, as British Airways Holidays has been my great passion, but I’ve known for some time that I need to adjust my priorities and take more care of myself.
"I am so proud to have been part of an amazing team that has delivered such incredible results and I am in no doubt Andrew will bring a new and exciting perspective, from his broad and comprehensive industry experience.”
Adam Daniels, chief executive at IAG Loyalty, said Bentley had shown “a passion for growing the business without losing focus on strong customer experience, people leadership and collaborative partnership approach”.
"We look forward to working with Andrew and the team to continue to push the boundaries in the holiday sector and find new ways to reward loyal customers,” he added.
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