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MOVERS & SHAKERS: Meet Lindblad's new Sales Mgr, Intrepid's new Chief Growth Officer & more

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 clicking here to check out last week’s new appointments.

 

1. Wendy Wu Tours’ MD Australia departs

Andrew Mullholland (L)

Andrew Mulholland (L)

Wendy Wu Tours have today announced the imminent departure of Andrew Mulholland from his role as managing director, Australia.

Mulholland took up this key role in June 2016 and within 18 months has been instrumental in supporting the company’s digital transformation from a brochure only operation to one which now encompasses a fully bookable website. In addition, Mulholland reengaged partnerships with key consortia partners, and substantially increased brand awareness for the award-winning tour operator.

Speaking about his role at Wendy Wu Tours, Mullholland said: “18 months was always a big ask, but we have managed to move successfully on a digital platform for the Australian business. The repercussions from this have been immense, as Wendy Wu Tours’ product and brand propositions are stronger than ever, which will strengthen its overall value proposition”.

Commenting on Mullholland’s achievements, Joe Karbo, Group CEO, said: “Andrew has led the development and direction of our brand in Australia. He has supported locally our global digital restructure, delivering our Australian operations a solid platform for market adaptation, which was acknowledged our trade partners by winning best Specialty Wholesaler at the 2017 NTIA’s”.

 

2. Hawaiian Airlines’ CEO Retires

Mark Dunklerly

Mark Dunkerely

Hawaiian Airlines announced the planned retirement of Mark Dunkerley, president and chief executive officer, and the selection of Peter Ingram, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, to replace Dunkerley, effective March 1, 2018.

Dunkerley’s departure will end 15 years of leadership during which the company executed a remarkable turnaround to become one of the world’s most successful airlines. During Dunkerley’s tenure, Hawaiian Airlines successfully embarked on a bold Asia-Pacific growth strategy, adding service to Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; and Beijing, China as well as new routes to Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney and Brisbane, Australia; and New York City.

Since December 2002 Hawaiian has doubled the number of passengers flown annually, to 11 million. Over the same period, the company’s gross revenues have increased four-fold, to $2.64 billion and its employee count has doubled, to 6,600. Its share price has risen from a 52-week low of 29 cents in 2003 to a high of $60.90 over the last 52-week period.

“This has been a heart-wrenching decision,” said Dunkerley, who joined Hawaiian in December 2002. “I am so proud to be associated with this company and our employees. Hawaiian Airlines is truly in a class of its own, distinguished by all the employees I am honoured to call my colleagues. At the same time, I am excited by the new opportunities ahead of me and I am confident that Peter Ingram and the team will lead the company to further success.”

 

3. Meet… APT Travel Group’s new Sales Team

APT Sales Team

APT Travel Group is proud to announce several new recruits and promotions in their impressive Sales Team, starting with the well-earned promotion of Scott Ellis in the newly created role of ATG National Sales Manager.

Scott has been with the company for 14 years in various roles including VIC/TAS/SA State Manager, Scott will be working closely with State Managers and the On-road Sales Team to maximize conversions for agents by leveraging the ATG platform of brands to help develop new activity and drive sales.

Jo Ellies – State Manager WA has expanded her role, now also responsible for leading the SA/NT region and team, following long-term success in WA.

Jacinta Crisp has been promoted to State Manager VIC/TAS having been with ATG as BDM for the last 3 years.  Susan Haberle’s role has been expanded and is now Head of Sales for Australasia role, heading up the Australia and New Zealand Sales team, managing trade partnerships and sales strategy.

Kieran Healy joins the team as the new Inside Sales Manager. Kieran comes to ATG after nine years at Rail Plus as their reservations and operations manager and will be starting alongside the teams’ new Sales Communications Executive, Jordan Fransz who joins us from RAC WA.

The Travelmarvel National Sales role responsibilities have been integrated into this new structure, sadly following this change, Susie Coughlin has decided to move on from the company.

“We thank Susie for her great contribution during her 26 years with ATG and wish her every success in the future,” said Debra Fox, APT Chief Operating Officer.

“The new structure and roles will allow us to continue to evolve and invest in our trade partnerships and agents, bringing together the ATG brands to provide ongoing success for all stakeholders. We are excited to welcome our newcomers and congratulate those moving into new positions.”

 

4. Meet… Next Story Group’s Marketing Communications Manager Australia & NZ

Corporate Photo_Kathleen Norman_Colour_2

Hotel, technology and creative innovators Next Story Group is pleased to announce the appointment of experienced marketing and communications specialist Kathleen Norman as Marketing Communications Manager for Australia and New Zealand.

With a marketing and advertising background in organizations including Thomson Corporation as Asia Pacific Marketing Manager; Fairfax Media as Advertising Sales Manager and Honeywell as Marketing Communications Specialist, Ms Norman will be responsible for the branding and marketing of Next Story Group across the portfolio of hotel brands including Next Hotels, Sage Hotels and Chifley Hotels plus the Kafnu community and workspaces, launching in 2018.

In her first few weeks with Next Story Group, Ms Norman successfully launched the new Sage Hotel Ringwood in Melbourne’s East. Her years of experience in marketing management, communications and sales roles in Australia and the Asia Pacific region will see her manage end-to-end workflow from internal and external stakeholders and monitor results from marketing activities.

Brand and marketing communications including the coordination of specialized services and hands-on involvement in the production of marketing collateral, advertising, promotional activities, websites and research and development to effectively represent Next Story Group and their portfolio of hotel brands goals. Ms Norman who recently commenced her role is based in Next Story Group’s Sydney head office.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Norman said, “Next Story Group is a dynamic and growing organization and their combination of an innovative hotel operator, an award-winning marketing agency, and a boutique design firm to create Next Story Group provides ample opportunity to showcase this unique brand and range of services.”

 

5. Meet… Novotel Melbourne South Wharf’s GM

1510877431_capture

AccorHotels has appointed Glen Erickson as General Manager of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. The hotel is currently under construction, set to open March 2018, and forms part of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) expansion project.

Erickson brings over 15 years of experience to the role, having worked for AccorHotels across a diverse range of brands including Ibis, Mercure, Novotel and Pullman. He has held General Manager roles at key hotels including Pullman Sydney Olympic Park, ibis Perth and ibis Brisbane.

“I am honoured to be part of Novotel Melbourne South Wharf’s opening team. This hotel development, along with the MCEC expansion project, represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure changes to Melbourne’s tourism and convention industry,” said Erickson.

 

6. Meet… Intrepid’s Chief Purpose Officer

Intrepid Travel

Australian owned Intrepid Group has announced a new role on its global executive team: Chief Purpose Officer (CPO).

Intrepid Group’s North American Director, Leigh Barnes, will return home to Melbourne to move into this position on 1 July 2018.

It has been two years since the Intrepid Group returned to independent ownership, since then it has seen record growth of 20 percent annually across all its brands, putting emphasis on having a purpose beyond profit.

To support the business’s 2020 goal of developing more community-based tourism projects and shared value partnerships, in addition to donating AUD$3 million to local communities through the Intrepid Foundation, CEO James Thornton created the role of Chief Purpose Officer.

 

7. Meet… The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa’s Executive Chef

Byron

The Byron at Byron Resort & Spa kicks off an exciting six-week transformation period set for completion January 2018. The Restaurant, bar, reception and relaxation deck will be transformed by leading interior architect Rachel Luchetti from Luchetti Krelle, transforming the heart and soul of the Resort into a haven for the well-travelled Australian.

The works to the central facilities complete a full Resort upgrade encompassing beautifully refreshed suites and the relaunch of the spa.

From January, newly appointed Executive Chef, Matthew Kemp will deliver The Byron at Byron’s restaurant a reimagined food offering, creating a feast of the region’s finest local produce.

Kemp hails from the UK where he received his Michelin starred training before taking the helm of much-lauded Sydney establishment Banc before opening his own restaurant, Restaurant Balzac. Kemp will join forces with Head Chef Gavin Hughes to unearth new existing and producers to create a not to be missed food offering to add to the must-visit list of already renowned eating haunts in Byron Bay.

The upgrade of the restaurant, bar, reception, courtyard, front veranda and spa deck overlooking the resorts iconic infinity pool will occur with minimal disruption to resort guests throughout November and December and will be completed ready for Christmas.

The official launch program will commence from January 2018.

 

8. Meet… Intrepid Group’s Chief Growth Officer

Michael Edwards Headshot-min

The Intrepid Group announced the addition of a Chief Growth Officer (CGO) to its global leadership team. Effective 1 January 2018, Michael Edwards will move into the role of Chief Growth Officer.

The news follows the announcement of Leigh Barnes to Chief Purpose Officer.

Intrepid Group CEO James Thornton created both roles to focus on sustained growth in both purpose and profit. Thornton believes the role of CGO will help Intrepid Group become the first billion-dollar adventure travel company by 2025 while donating $3 million to local communities through the Intrepid Foundation by 2020.

In his role as CGO, Michael Edwards, formerly Intrepid Group’s regional director in Europe, Middle East and Asia, will manage Intrepid Group’s Regional Directors and Melbourne-based Marketing Services team. Edwards says a key focus for the new role will be to grow the Intrepid Group’s Adventure Cruising program and launch its first Antarctica charters in partnership with Chimu Adventures.

 

9. Meet… Lindblad’s new Sales Manager for NSW

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions has appointed seasoned travel professional Dan Coleman to the role of Sales Manager for NSW, QLD and New Zealand; boosting its sales team across the Tasman Sea.

With over 10 years’ experience in the travel industry, Coleman brings a wealth of knowledge to Lindblad, including his track record for increased sales as well as delivering training strategies to agency partners.

More specifically, Coleman’s eight years of experience as a Sales Executive for G Adventures is sure to assist Lindblad in its continued growth and success across the Australian and New Zealand market through his knowledge and passion for adventurous travel.

Having travelled extensively to many of the Lindblad Expeditions destination portfolios already, such as Antarctica, Alaska and the Galapagos, his connection to unique and extraordinary travel experiences highlights his commitment to experiencing the planet’s natural wonders, a Lindblad Expeditions ethos.

Neil Rodgers, Adventure World MD, commented on the appointment: “We’re excited to have someone of Dan’s calibre to help grow and expand the Lindblad Expeditions brand here in the Australian market, providing, even more, support to our Australian Agents.”

Coleman is based in NSW and can be contacted at dan.coleman@adventureworld.com.au

Thinking of moving and shaking yourself? Head over to KARRYON JOBS and start your next chapter.

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