Austria
As the TUI Group continues its integration the Executive Board role of Arbeitsdirektor - a requirement under German Corporate Law who is responsible for directing and reporting on HR to the Supervisory Board and Works Councils - will now become a full time role. This position is currently held by Sebastian Ebel, in a part time capacity, within his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer Strategic Platforms (including IT, Hotels and Cruises). Jacky Simmonds, Group HR Director and Group Executive Committee Member, has overall responsibility for HR across the Group.
After careful consideration, Jacky Simmonds has concluded that she does not wish the next stage of her career to be within an AG environment and, therefore, as a result will leave the business at the end of May. A search has commenced for an Arbeitsdirektor for the Group.
An HR professional for 25 years, Jacky has been with the Group for 15 years. Joining First Choice Holidays in 2000 she has held a number of senior HR roles - including HR Director for TUI UK & Ireland and played a leading role as part of the Integration Team for the merger in 2007. Jacky was promoted to TUI Travel Group HR Director in 2010.
As Group HR Director Jacky has successfully driven a number of key HR processes on talent and engagement, international high potential programmes and worked to align the HR teams across the Group to facilitate more international mobility. Jacky has also worked very closely with Johan Lundgren, Deputy Chief Executive of the TUI Group, and the Mainstream Board as it has implemented its change and transformation agenda across the source markets. Under Jacky, an HR Strategy and Roadmap to 2020 for the Group has been developed. It is focused on modernising the HR Systems and further improving the talent management process to ensure that career opportunities are available across every part of the business.
Commenting on her decision, Jacky Simmonds said:
“I have been very fortunate to work in a Group that has moved from being a UK focused company to a truly international business which has successfully grown both in terms of profitability and opportunities for career advancement. I have thoroughly enjoyed playing a significant role in the development of both the business and talent across the Group coupled with building best practice within the HR Function. I will miss the TUI Group but believe that now is the right time for me to seek my next challenge in the UK PLC arena.”
Peter Long, CEO of TUI Group, added:
“I am very sorry that Jacky will be leaving the TUI Group. The organisation has undergone significant change over the years and I strongly believe that her experience of leading HR in a FTSE100 company, coupled with her expertise in transformational change was critical in the lead up to and immediate post completion of our merger. She has contributed greatly to what TUI Group is today, has built a strong team and I have always valued her counsel, advice and pragmatic approach during these periods of transformation. I would like to wish Jacky every success in her new endeavours.”
