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Who are this week's industry movers and shakers?

Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry’s Movers and Shakers!

Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry’s Movers and Shakers!

 

 

1. SeaLink appoints new non-executive director

Andrew McEvoyFormer Tourism Australia managing director, Andrew McEvoy has been appointed as a non-executive independent director of SeaLink Travel Group.

Mr McEvoy has extensive experience in the tourism sector, having held management positions with both Tourism Australia and the South
Australian Tourist Commission.

He is currently managing director marketing services of Fairfax Media, where he oversees the company’s new business portfolio, including events and content marketing, a role he has held since January 2014.

Stepping int othe role from February, SeaLink chairman, Giuliano Ursini said Mr McEvoy’s experience will be invaluable as the company sought to expand its tourism and transport offerings.

Mr Ursini also said SeaLink is conducting an executive search for a new chairman, as he would be retiring later this year after 19 years in the position.

 

2. New general manager to oversee Hilton Sydney

HiltonHilton Worldwide has announced Ronald van Weezel will step in as general manager of Hilton Sydney.

In his new role, Mr. van Weezel will take responsibility for the operation of the 579-room flagship hotel in Sydney.

Mr. van Weezel commenced his career more than 36 years ago at the Hilton Amsterdam, rising through the food and beverage ranks to become general manager.

Throughout his career, he has completed a variety of assignments across Europe, the UK, Israel, Indonesia, Thailand and Australia.

He has held the general manager position with Hilton in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Berlin and, most recently, in Brisbane.

Mr. van Weezel’s passion for the hospitality industry is driven by his enjoyment for connecting people. He believes hotels are venues that allow and inspire connection – whether networking at an event, having drinks in the bar or meeting in the lobby cafe.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to work with a dynamic team and represent a market leading hotel in such a vibrant city.”

Ronald van Weezel

 

3. NYC & Company gets new Aus and NZ representative

NYC & CompanyCindy Gilbert of the Walshe Group has been appointed as the new sales and marketing manager for NYC & Company (Australia New Zealand).

Based in the Kent Street office in Sydney, Cindy’s main objective will be to act as the representative for New York City for the Australia and New Zealand travel trade.

She is a marketing specialist with over 15 years experience, nine of those years within the travel industry.  Her last role was with Emirates where she worked closely with the local commercial management team, to lead the consumer advertising and trade promotional plan for Australia.

In 2013, New York City welcomed 619,000 visitors from Australia and 26,000 from New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand remain a strong source of international visitors to New York City, ranking within its top five overseas markets.

“New York has always been one of my favourite destinations, you can’t help but be enamoured by the city’s vibrancy and in awe of its endless possibilities.”

Cindy Gilbert

 

4. Alan Rothenberg named board chairman of LA Tourism

Alan RothenbergAlan I. Rothenberg, founder and chairman of Los Angeles-based 1st Century Bank, N.A., has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB).

Rothenberg will preside over the 26-member, volunteer board of directors for an 18-month term beginning 1 January 2015.

The LATCB Board of Directors is comprised of civic leaders representing a cross-section of the Los Angeles business community impacted by LA’s dynamic travel and tourism industry. The programs and policies approved by this voluntary leadership are carried out by a full-time staff of more than 100 tourism industry professionals under the leadership of LATCB President Ernest Wooden Jr.

Rothenberg has an extensive in history in both sport and travel. He served from 2005 to 2010 as president of the board of the Airport Commission for the City of Los Angeles.

In addition to the LATCB, he serves on the board of directors of the United States Soccer Foundation (past chairman); Constitutional Rights Foundation (past chairman); Los Angeles Sports Council (chairman); Los Angeles Business Council; and, Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (past chairman). In addition to 1st Century Bank (NASDAQ: FCTY), Rothenberg has served on the following public-company boards of directors: Zenith National Insurance (NYSE: ZNT); California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (NASDAQ: CPKI); and, Arden Realty (NYSE).

“Under Alan’s skillful leadership, I am confident we will continue to make great strides toward our goal of welcoming over 50 million annual visitors by 2020.”

Ernest Wooden Jr, LATCB president

 

5. Como Hotels appoints new COO

Como HotelsCOMO Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Hans Jörg Meier as Chief Operating Officer and Director of COMO Hotels and Resorts, effective 19th January 2015.

With over 30 years’ experience in the hotel industry, Mr Meier comes to COMO Hotels and Resorts with a rich and varied pedigree. He joins COMO from his current position as senior vice president at GHM Hotels; his career has spanned Europe, Southeast Asia, North Asia and the United States.

He has held leadership roles with Swissôtel Group, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Peninsula Hotels.

During his tenure as general manager at The Legian Bali and The Setai, Miami Beach, Mr Meier achieved numerous awards for the hotels, including the Condé Nast Gold List, The Gallivanter’s Guide Award for Excellence, Travel & Leisure World’s Best as well as Smith Travel Research (STR) Best Performing Hotel.

Hans Jörg Meier will take up the mantle from Mr Kuno Fasel, COMO’s founding COO of 15 years. Mr Fasel has spent most of his 33 years in hospitality with the Group, first as General Manager at the Four Seasons Montreal. Under his helm, COMO has grown from its first property, The Halkin by COMO, to 12 award winning properties across seven countries. His passion for service, cuisine and wellness forms the bedrock of what COMO offers to guests.

Hans Jörg Meier will be in charge of all executive, management and operational responsibilities for COMO Hotels and Resorts.

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