John Bevan leaves lastminute.com

John Bevan, UK managing director of lastminute.com for just 15 months, has left the company to “pursue a new career”. The shock departure comes just a week after the online travel agency marked its tenth anniversary – celebrations led by Bevan at a glittering party at ABTA Travel Convention in Gran Canaria. It is understood…

John Bevan, UK managing director of lastminute.com for just 15 months, has left the company to “pursue a new career”.

The shock departure comes just a week after the online travel agency marked its tenth anniversary – celebrations led by Bevan at a glittering party at ABTA Travel Convention in Gran Canaria.

It is understood he will be leaving immediately and taking a break. A spokeswoman for lastminute.com said Bevan is “planning to continue in the travel sector”.

Bevan joined lastminute.com in 2004 when it purchased Online Travel Group.

He has since held a number of key roles including with holiday director before taking responsibility for flights and most recently as travel director.

Bevan was promoted to the role of UK B2C managing director in July 2007 following a restructuring of senior positions.

Group managing director for lastminute.com, Simon Thompson, will take on Bevan’s responsibilities for the UK until a full-time replacement is appointed.