Thomas Cook has announced Sue Biggs will become managing director of scheduled business next summer.

Previously Biggs was the managing director and UK country head at Kuoni.

Initially reporting to Thomas Cook Group plc chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa, Biggs will head up the development of Thomas Cook's scheduled businesses, including Thomas Cook Signature, Latitude, Tradewinds, flexibletrips, Bridge and Cresta, brands as well as its cities programme.

Fontenla-Novoa said: "I am delighted that Sue is joining us at such an exciting time in our development. Her vast knowledge and experience of tour operating will make her a valuable member of the senior team.

"We have ambitious growth plans for our long-haul and scheduled businesses and, based on her track record of building highly successful travel companies, I have every confidence that under Sue's leadership these areas of our business will go from strength to strength."

Biggs added: "I'm thrilled to be joining the best known brand in travel. Thomas Cook is already an impressive player in the long-haul and scheduled air markets, but with the company's portfolio of exceptionally strong brands and its extensive distribution reach, there are huge opportunities for further growth. "

Biggs has worked in the travel industry for more than 28 years, most recently at Kuoni. Under her leadership the company won many awards, particularly for outstanding service and quality.

She has also won many personal awards, including TTG's Personality of the Year (2004), Shine Woman of the Year (2007) and the inaugural Caribbean Person of the Year award.