Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers!
1. Hello Heller
Information technology specialist, Steven Heller, has stepped in to head AFTA’s Code of Compliance Monitoring Committee (ACCMC) in an interim capacity.
Announced today, Heller’s appointment comes after last week’s resignation of Dr June Smith.
Dr Smith headed the committee for less than a year – appointed in October last year.
2. Fiji Airways poaches Air Mauritius boss
New aircraft, major profits and now a new boss – Fiji Airways is building its business and it’s doing it with Andre Viljoen at the helm.
The airline announced today the appointment of Viljoen to the role of Chief Executive and Managing Director, replacing current head Stefan Pichler.
Commencing in the new role from 1 October this year, the Attorney General and Minister for Public Enterprises, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Viljoen has ‘big shoes to fill’.
3. 15 new techies join Excite Holidays
Excite Holidays has announced a big expansion to its global technology team to build on its existing booking platform.
Revealed at the company’s annual sales and marketing conference in Sydney this week, the move sees a 50 percent increase in techies.
An additional 15 developers were hired, adding to the current 30-strong team across its global network of offices.
4. New Chef starts at Sofitel Brisbane Central
Ahead of Brisbane’s Good Food Month in July, James Gallagher has taken he reins of ‘hatted’ fine dining restaurant Privé249 at the Sofitel Brisbane Central as Chef de Cuisine.
Most recently known among Brisbane’s dining elite as the Senior Sous Chef of Alchemy restaurant, James’s experience has seen him plate refined, elegant dishes at Fortnum & Mason’s ‘The Gallery’ in London and creations centered around molecular gastronomy within the ‘Innovation’ kitchen of Deloitte’s corporate headquarters in London.
A UK native, James’ home is now where his heart is placing him in Brisbane with wife Kylie and daughter Emily who joined their family earlier this year. Professionally, James is inspired by nature and the seasons with a passionate focus on sustainable local produce.
Guests of Privé249 can expect clean, sophisticated food from James but should also keep their imaginations wide open for the unexpected. James’ eagerly anticipated new menu will be launched in the final weeks of June with his first public event at the helm of Privé249 being the ‘Hat’s Off’ Dinner as a part of Brisbane’s Good Food Month on July 17th.
This extra special one off event features Tanqueray cocktail on arrival followed by four courses of French inspired cuisine perfectly paired with exquisite wines and matched to live performances from musicians of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
5. New Regional Manager heads up Emirates in QLD
Emirates has announced the appointment of Leonie Brennan to the position of Regional Manager – Queensland.
Leonie joins Emirates following years of extensive commercial and operational experience in both the airline and hospitality industries.
Leonie had a long career with Qantas with roles that spanned corporate travel, airline partnerships, call centre operations and management, and gained extensive commercial experience in both Australia and overseas. She most recently held a senior role at Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific as Vice President Customer Service and Loyalty.
“Leonie has excellent credentials in the aviation and corporate travel industry and we are pleased to welcome her to our team. Leonie will play a key role in driving sales and customer engagement across Queensland.”
Rob Gurney, Emirates Divisional Vice President – Australasia
6. Walters appointed GM of InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Paul Walters as General Manager of InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, Sydney’s newest luxury hotel.
Sydney native, Paul, who will relocate from London to take up the role, has 30 years’ experience in luxury hotels and resorts, including over 15 years as a General Manager.
Paul joins IHG from the Langham Hospitality Group. He was most recently General Manager of their flagship property, The Langham London, where he played a key role in positioning it as one of the top ten luxury London hotels.
Prior to that Paul was Vice President, Brands for the company based in Hong Kong.
7. SIVB CEO appointed to SPTO deputy chair role
Strong recognition of the Solomon Islands ever-growing presence on the international and regional tourism stage, the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau’s CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto has been appointed deputy chair of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.
Speaking from the SIVB head office in Honiara, Mr Tuamoto said he was extremely humbled to have been nominated to the role and to have had so much trust placed in his hands by his South Pacific peers.
“This is indeed a prestigious honour for the entire Solomon Islands tourism industry as well as me personally and I would like to express my extreme gratitude to each and every one of the SPTO member countries who voted for me – and particularly Samoa for its initial nomination – to take on the deputy chair role.”
Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto, Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau CEO
“Being appointed to the deputy chair and being able to contribute further to an organisation that continues to provide amazing support and set industry benchmarks on behalf of each and every one of its members is beyond a privilege.”
8. JNTO Sydney welcomes new director
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Sydney Office has welcomed a new Executive Director to its team, with Ms Mariko Tatsumi taking over from former Executive Director Mr Hiroshi Kuwamoto.
Ms Tatsumi, who hails from JNTO’s head office in Japan, has moved from Tokyo to Australia to take up what is her second overseas posting.
Ms Tatsumi said she is delighted to be promoting her country to the Australian market as Mr Kuwamoto’s successor.
“I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to show Australians what a fantastic destination Japan is.”
Mariko Tatsumi, JNTO Executive Director
9. Introducing AccorHotels’ new GM of Albert Park
Llewellyn Wyeth has been appointed General Manager, Pullman & Mercure Albert Park.
Llewellyn commenced with Accor in 1996, and has since held a variety of roles, having started off with operational management positions at the Novotel Twin Waters Resort and later at the Novotel St Kilda, Llewellyn was then appointed General Manager, Novotel Barossa Valley Resort in 2004.
In 2006, Llewellyn took on the role of Area Manager, Victoria, Tasmania & South Australia and in 2007, he was appointed Regional General Manager – Western Australia.
In 2011, Llewellyn returned to Melbourne and assumed the role of Regional Director of Sales, Victoria, Tasmania & South Australia. Llewellyn was most recently the General Manager of Novotel St Kilda since May 2013.
10. New General Manager appointed at PARKROYAL Yangon
A French-Italian hotelier with 28 years of operations and management experience spanning Europe and Asia, Jean-Marc will take charge of the award-winning and newly refurbished 333-room hotel.
Jean-Marc will be responsible for the operations and all-round performance of PARKROYAL Yangon.
In his role, he will also have oversight of PARKROYAL Nay Pyi Taw, a picturesque 90-room hotel which opened last April in Myanmar’s capital.
Of dual French and Italian nationality, Jean-Marc brings to Pan Pacific Hotels Group 28 years of industry experience across Europe and Asia, with a strong emphasis on Food & Beverage operations.
He has enjoyed successful tenures with established hotel companies such as Hilton International, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, Meritus Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels and Resorts, and Kempinski Hotels in numerous countries including Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Spain, Italy and Maldives.
Most recently, Jean-Marc was General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Bahia in Costa de Sol, Spain where he led the 145-unit property to attain stronger financial profitability, operational efficiency and improved guest satisfaction rankings.