New MD appointed at Lastminute.com

Internet travel retailer Lastminute.com has appointed a new UK managing director following the departure of co-founder Martha Lane Fox, who stepped down in December after the company recorded its first ever annual profit.

Richard Bowden-Doyle, a former Thomas Cook executive, will look after the UK business.

Martha Lane Fox is to stay on as an non-executive director.

Mr Bowden-Doyle has plenty of experience in the travel industry and was previously managing director of Thomson Holidays.

He is joining Lastminute from Thomas Cook, where he was group development director.

In November last year, Lastminute.com reported pre-tax profits of £200,000 for the year end to September 2003.