Karryon Luxury Takeover March 2024 side lock up
Karryon Luxury Takeover March 2024 side lock up
Home Travel Industry Hub

MOVERS & SHAKERS: Meet newbies at Traveller's Choice, Travelport & Sealink

It’s been a big week in the travel industry with people moving up and on from previous positions into new and exciting gigs, we call them our movers & shakers.

It’s been a big week in the travel industry with people moving up and on from previous positions into new and exciting gigs, we call them our movers & shakers.

So, find out who got a new gig this week by checking out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers below or click here to check out last week’s new appointments.

1 . Meet Travellers Choice’s newly appointed BDM for NSW and the ACT  Paula Moylan

new1

Moylan has worked in the travel industry for more than 20 years, during which time she has held senior sales positions with a number of leading Australian and international travel brands. She joins Travellers Choice from Qantas Holidays, where she was most recently Regional Sales Manager for NSW, ACT and Queensland.

In her new role Moylan is responsible for supporting Travellers Choice members’ local sales and marketing activities, as well as driving ongoing expansion of the group’s network and liaising closely with its broad stable of preferred suppliers.

Travellers Choice General Manager Sales Nicola Strudwick says Moylan already enjoys a strong connection with Travellers Choice members, having previously served as the network’s National Account Manager at Qantas Holidays.

“Paula understands our company’s unique culture and unrivalled commitment to supporting our member shareholders, which means she hits the ground running in her new role,” says Strudwick.

“She also joins the company at an exceptionally exciting time, with our network across NSW and the ACT welcoming new high-calibre recruits and all of our members benefiting from the introduction of new and innovative products and support services.

“I have no doubt that Paula’s energy, enthusiasm and experience will prove an invaluable asset to our company and its members.”

2. Meet SeaLink Travel Group’s new New Zealand Sales Representative Laura Wadsworth.

new2

Laura will continue to grow existing relationships and establish new ones with key distribution partners in the New Zealand market, built over the last six years by retiring representative Anne Radonich.

Laura has a certificate in Travel and Tourism from Crown Institute and a Certificate in Advertising and Marketing from AUT and brings to the role over 20 years of experience in the travel industry.

First starting her career selling travel for the Flight Centre Group, Laura then moved into the wholesale environment becoming Product Manager for a niche South Pacific Wholesale company – Travel Arrangements Ltd. Laura was then employed with two major Cook Island properties as their Marketing Manager, before establishing Sunseeker Travel Marketing and Representation Ltd in 2002.

Laura will be looking after SeaLink’s extensive product portfolio including Captain Cook Cruises – Sydney, Perth and Murray River, SeaLink – South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

“I’m looking forward to working with the team at SeaLink and Captain Cook Cruises and promoting their extensive product range in the New Zealand market.” Says Ms Wadsworth.

“My aim is to keep up the momentum continuing from the hard work that has already been done and to build on this to increase numbers and meet objectives set.” continues Ms Wadsworth.

SeaLink Travel Group, GM Global Sales & Distribution, Richard Doyle, welcomes Laura to the team and looks forward to working with her.

“I’m delighted to welcome Laura to the SeaLink and Captain Cook Cruise’s team. Laura brings to the role a wealth of skill, experience and knowledge, which will be a great asset to the company and ensure our strong relationships with our New Zealand distribution partners continues and grows.”

3.  Meet The Westin Brisbane and Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane’s new Complex General Manager Brad Mercer

unnamed-2

Brad will be pivotal in continuing to build the Four Points by Sheraton profile in Brisbane and in launching The Westin Brisbane, which is slated to open on 5 November, 2018.

As Complex General Manager, Brad will function as the primary strategic business leader of both properties. He will be responsible for all aspects of the hotels’ operation and performance, including strategy execution and guest experience. In particular, Brad will oversee the opening of the 298-room The Westin Brisbane, managing team recruitment and brand positioning to ensure the successful launch of the Westin brand within the Brisbane market.

“I’m delighted to help build Marriott International’s presence in Brisbane in 2018,” said Brad Mercer, Complex General Manager, The Westin Brisbane and Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane.

“It’s going to be a big year for the city, with domestic and international visitor numbers expected to continue growing in light of big ticket events such as the Commonwealth Games. Consequently, we expect to see a strong demand for quality accommodation in the city.”

Brad steps into the Complex General Manager role with 22 years experience. He joined Marriott International in 2007 as Executive Assistant Manager of The Westin Denarau, Fiji, transferring to the iconic Sheraton on the Park, Sydney in 2010, as Hotel Manager.

In 2013, Brad was appointed opening General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane, where his leadership saw the 246-room property win the Australian Hotels Association Excellence Award for Best Superior Accommodation in 2014.

In his role, Brad will report into Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, Marriott International.

“Brad’s extensive experience plus his proven success within the Brisbane market will be an asset for both Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane and The Westin Brisbane,” said Sean Hunt. “I look forward to working closely with Brad to grow Marriott International’s footprint in Brisbane, especially during what will be a busy and vibrant year for the city.”

Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane opened in March 2014, joining Marriott Hotel Brisbane. In 2018, as part of its commitment to see 50 hotels in operation in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the end of 2020, Marriott International will introduce two new properties to the Brisbane market, including The Westin Brisbane and W Brisbane.

4. Meet Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa’s new director of sales Shashita Nand

Picture1

Prior to joining the resort Ms Nand was the director of sales and marketing at the Nanuku Auberge Resort Fiji and has an extensive international career in senior marketing roles in Australia, Fiji and Thailand. She has also previously worked at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa as a sales executive for groups and then as sales manager for MICE from 1997-2000.

Commenting on her appointment Ms Nand said that she was looking forward to her new role at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa particularly in light of the transformations the resort was currently undergoing.

“I am very excited about returning not only to our beautiful destination but to come to a place where I started my career and which also represents not only the largest, but one of the most iconic resorts in Fiji,” Ms Nand said.

“I also look forward to working with the team here and in our major markets, pushing our destination and our brand even further. “It is wonderful to see the transformations taking place with the complete refurbishment of our Lagoon wing rooms, our Beach Bar & Grill and the re-opening of the Golden Cowrie Restaurant and adjacent lounge as well as the addition of a fun water park late last year.

“I feel confident with all these we will strengthen our position further not only as a family friendly resort but one with diverse offerings for couples, wedding parties and the variety of groups looking for that outer island experience with all the benefits of being on the mainland,” Ms Nand said.

5. Meet QBT’s new Account Managers Julie O’Leary and Jenny Watson

ladies

Helloworld Travel Limited’s corporate travel management division QBT, is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie O’Leary to the role of Account Manager VIC, WA and SA and Jenny Watson to the role of Account Manager VIC, for their growing corporate division.

Julie joins QBT with over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry. Her most recent role was as the Director of Sales, APAC at BCD Travel. She has also worked on the client side as the Global Procurement Manager for Pilkington Group in the UK. Jenny has over 20 years’ experience in travel, having spent the last 22 years managing the travel category for organisations such as Siemens, APA Group, RMIT, Wesfarmers and John Holland.

Group General Manager for QBT Nick Sutherland said “We are delighted to welcome both Jenny and Julie to the team at QBT. They both bring a wealth of experience to their roles across both account management, consultancy and travel category management.”

Emma Duff, Head of Account Management for QBT’s Corporate division said “I am excited to have Julie and Jenny joining the team. Their depth of experience on both the buyer and client side will ensure we are providing world class account management to our clients and continuing to focus on delivering real value to their bottom line.”

6. Meet Travelport Australia & New Zealand’s new Managing Director Scott Barber

scottgoodsie

 

This is Scott’s tenth year with Travelport, with his most recent role being the Director of Commercial Strategy Asia Pacific based in Singapore. Since 2015, he has played an instrumental part in defining the team strategy driving the growth of the Asia Pacific region for Travelport. Prior to that, Scott was based in Sydney having held roles managing a number of key customers in the region.

With this new appointment, Scott will be responsible for managing operations and reinforcing Travelport’s business in Australia and New Zealand. Scott will continue to report to Mark Meehan, Managing Director Asia Pacific for Travelport, based in Singapore.

Commenting on the announcement, Mark said, “Scott’s return to Sydney will allow him to fulfill a key regional leadership role. With our highly differentiated travel commerce platform Scott will be well- positioned to further accelerate the recent successes that we have seen in the region, from new customer acquisitions to the growing strength of our online business.”

He added, “I would also like to recognize the great work done by Kaylene during her time with Travelport. Her passion and energy for the business and our customers has made her a fantastic ambassador for the company as she strengthened Travelport’s priorities in the region. On behalf of the team, I would like to wish Kaylene all the best for this new phase in her career.”

Scott, on his new appointment, remarked, “This is an exciting time for Travelport as we continue to see significant growth in Asia Pacific. With Travelport’s recent announcement of reaching over 250 airlines utilizing our Rich Content and Branding product and being the first travel commerce platform to achieve an IATA NDC Level 3 accreditation, it is crucial for us to support the industry in embracing open and innovation-driven technology solutions in delivering travel choices. I am happy to embark on this new opportunity to lead a key market for Travelport and look forward to working with the travel community in the region.”

Scott’s appointment is backed by further investments from Travelport’s Air Commerce team in the appointment of a new Commercial Director, Pacific. Sue Carter, a seasoned executive in the airline technology space, started her new role on 15 January and is responsible for driving Travelport’s commercial strategy for airlines in the Pacific region. Also based in Sydney, Sue reports to Chris Ramm, Travelport’s Senior Commercial Director for the Indian Subcontinent, North Asia and Pacific in Singapore.