[London, ENGLAND] Being appointed Head of Travel at lastminute.com
sounds as good as becoming Head of Ice Cream at Baskin-Robbins — but
that’s the job landed by Mrs. Nicola Denvir, 35, a former
Cathay Pacific Airways employee.
In fact, Nicola Denvir joined lastminute.com in July 1999, heading
up the flights department of Europe’s largest online largest travel
site. Now she moves to a more senior position at this critical
stage of the company’s growth, amid concerns for a falling share
price and increased competition from other operators.
On taking up her post, Nicola Denvir commented that lastminute.com’s
travel offering is much more than just discounted deals.
“We are providing our users with convenience and inspiration and I am
looking forward to working with new and existing suppliers to offer
our customers a wide range of exciting and unusual products,” said
Denvir.
Early Wednesday, lastminute.com’s shares stood at 77 pence (US $1.10),
up six percent on Tuesday but still below their offer price at the
time of flotation and just a fraction of the year’s high of 550 pence
(US $7.86).
Despite the setbacks, lastminute.com has continued to build its
business, and now has over 9,500 suppliers, including international
scheduled airlines, hotels and package tour operators. Among them
are Lufthansa, British Midland, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
Airways, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Forte Hotel Group
and Kempinski Hotels.
Although lastminute.com is still best known for its travel services,
it offers late deals on entertainment, restaurants and also sells
a wide choice of gifts including many travel-related items. In
August this year MMXI Europe judged it to be the top travel site
in Europe.
Chief Executive Brent Hoberman said lastminute.com is constantly
looking at increasing the breadth and depth of its supply base to
provide a comprehensive service. He said the new appointee would
ensure that the company continues to maximize its ability to cross-sell
across all areas of the site.
