New leader for Tui innovation team named after Jo Hickson departure

Distribution and cruise director Helen Caron to head up team Continue reading →

Tui UK and Ireland head of innovation Jo Hickson has left the business to join London-based agency AKQA.

Hickson was Tui’s first-ever head of innovation when she joined the travel firm in 2016 from Argos and Habitat parent Home Retail Group.

Confirming her departure in December, Tui said it has no plans to replace Hickson and has instead appointed distribution and cruise director Helen Caron to head up the team.

A spokeswoman said: “Innovation continues to be really important to us and will continue to be embedded across all areas of our business.

“Our focus for Innovation is currently on digital and technology initiatives and responding to changes in the market and customer behaviours.

“As part of this change of focus, the Innovation team will now be led by Helen Caron.  We believe this is a good opportunity to ensure that digital innovation and R&D implementation continues to be implemented throughout our business.”

In March 2016 Tui established a Travel Lab in which new technologies and ideas are incubated, developed and tested quickly as part of its drive to instil an innovative culture throughout the business.