Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers below or click here to check out last week’s new appointments.
1. Meet Australian Cruise Association’s new Chair
Grant Gilfillan, CEO of the Port Authority of NSW, was appointed Chair of the Australian Cruise Association at their AGM on Friday. The meeting followed the Association’s annual conference which was held in Mooloolaba.
Gilfillan takes over from Stephen Bradford, who stepped down from the role at the expiry of his term after serving for three years.
Association CEO, Jill Abel thanked Bradford for his hard work and support and for leading the organisation through a period of extraordinary growth and its recent name change and rebranding.
“With our focus being firmly on destination development including all important infrastructure needs, the timing is perfect for Grant to continue the great work undertaken by Stephen and the management committee and steer us through the next important years,” said Abel.
Voting also took place on the Management Committee appointments with Martin Bidgood (Intercruises), Thor Elliott (Fremantle Ports and ACA Treasurer), Tony Clementson (Tourism NT) and Anne McVilly (Port Arthur Historic Authority) retaining their positions.
Jay McKenzie (Bob Wood Cruises) was also appointed to the Committee.
Julie O’Brien (Tourism & Events Qld) continues in her role as Deputy Chair of the Association.
2. Meet Carlson Rezidor’s President of APAC
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, today announced the appointment of Katerina Giannouka as president, Asia Pacific.
She will be based in Singapore, at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s Asia Pacific headquarters, and join no later than December 4, 2017. She will report directly to John Kidd, chief executive officer and chief operating officer, Carlson Hotels Inc.
Katerina will be a member of Carlson Hotels’ Executive Leadership Committee where she will work in tandem with the global and Asia Pacific leadership teams to drive success and growth for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. In her role, she will be responsible in leading the Asia Pacific executive committee and its corporate offices in Singapore, Shanghai and Delhi.
“Asia Pacific is a key growth engine for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as we expand our presence and develop our successes,” said John Kidd.
“Katerina’s dynamic and energetic leadership experience, complemented with business intelligence and a tenacious work ethic, are testament to her accomplishments in Asia Pacific and EMEA. I am confident that she will propel our Asia Pacific business to greater heights.”
Before joining Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Katerina was the head of development for Asia Pacific and China for Rosewood Hotel Group. Based in Hong Kong, she spearheaded the region’s development activities for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, New World Hotels & Resorts and Pentahotels. Prior to that, she held roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and HVS.
Katerina graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a Bachelor’s of Science with First Class Honours in Hotel and Restaurant Management. She is fluent in English and Greek, basic French and elementary Mandarin.
3. Meet Wendy Wu Tours’ new NSW State Manager
Australia’s leading Asia tour operator, and recent winner of the NTIA Best Speciality Wholesaler 2017 is delighted to announce the appointment of Maral Karboushian to the role of State Manager for NSW.
Maral joins the Wendy Wu Tours Business Development team with extensive travel industry experience. In her previous role, as State Sales Manager WA/NT for Excite holidays, Maral is credited with achieving significant sales growth in her territories, particularly across the online booking platform.
Returning to her home city of Sydney, Maral brings with her firsthand knowledge of travel agents needs, and a strong understanding of the ever-growing competitor market. On her appointment, Maral said: “I’m excited to be given the opportunity to invest and grow the NSW business for Wendy Wu Tours, and solidify the company brand as Australia’s leading tour operator to Asia”.
Head of Sales, Vara Glover said of the appointment “I’m so excited to welcome Maral to the team. Her experience at supporting the travel trade, and driving online trade sales is going to be of enormous benefit to our New South Wale agents.”