Manny Fontenla-Novoa

Who is Manny Fontenla-Novoa?

Manny Fontenla-Novoa was the Chief Executive of Thomas Cook Group from 2003 until his resignation on 3 August 2011. Born in Galicia on 13 May 1954, he moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 11.

Fontenla-Novoa started his career with Thomas Cook in the printing department in 1972 and held a variety of roles until he joined International Leisure Group in 1988. After International Leisure Group collapsed, Fontenla-Novoa cofounded tour operator Sunworld in 1991. He joined Thomas Cook after their acquisition of Sunworld in 1996, and became its chief executive in 2003.

Fontenla-Novoa is also the director of Iberostar, a Spanish hotel chain. He lives in Surrey with his wife and four children.