Peter Fankhauser: the £8m boss who couldn't save Thomas Cook

Рeter Fankhauser took the top job at Thomas Cook five years ago, stepping into the breach after Harriet Green resigned following two – sometimes controversial – years in charge. 

His appointment was the culmination of a long career in the travel sector. After graduating with a masters in business and completing his national service, Fankhauser landed his first management job running Kuoni’s operation in his native Switzerland. 

According to industry legend, the then 29-year-old wanted to make a statement. After being presented with a consultant's report that recommended slashing jobs at Kuoni, Fankhauser showed his disapproval of the proposal by setting the file alight. 

The keen runner and skier...