Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers!
1. New CMM joins Allianz Global Assistance
International leader in assistance, travel insurance and health, life & home care services, Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), has appointed Damien Arthur as its new Chief Market Manager.
Commencing his role as Actng Chief Market Manager in December 2014, Damien has done an outstanding job leading the Market Management team to success, which led to his official appointment this month.
Since joining the business in 2006, Damien has been an integral part of the company, working across the finance, insurance and corporate divisions, which includes previously acting as the General Manager of Corporate Strategy.
Before his time at Allianz Global Assistance, he worked overseas at Deutsche Bank. His expertise is wide-ranging, including risk management, insurance, financial analysis, leadership of large and diverse teams, change management and instigating process improvement and efficiency.
Damien is a hands-on manager that focuses on efficiency and innovation to understand and influence markets. His history of high performance and adaptability, specifically to motivate teams within a fast paced environment, has not only seen him as a key player in the success of the business but as a valued colleague within the group.
2. Contiki Australia appoints new Head of Sales
Contiki has announced the appointment of Nathaly Naughton to the role of Head of Sales of Contiki Australia, based in the Sydney office.
Nathaly brings to the team strong experience in the sales industry. As a tourism industry professional, the last 10 years of her career have been spent in sales and general management roles with STA Travel across the US, South Africa and Australia markets, most recently as a Regional Sales Manager at STA Travel in Victoria/South Australia. Her early career was with Carnival Cruises.
“Nathaly’s commercial and strategic skills, as well as her strong knowledge of the retail industry given her background as a travel agent, will bring valuable insights and skills to ensure the continued success of our team.”
Katrina Barry, Contiki Australia Managing Director
“Additionally, her experience with STA Travel gives her an in-depth understanding of the youth travel market.”
“Nathaly’s exceptional leadership qualities, passion and results-driven approach will assist us in developing stronger relationships with trade partners ahead of a very busy European summer selling season”.
3. New hire to help reinvent corporate travel
Travel technology company, Locomote, announced the appointment of Sarah Larkin as Director of Consulting Services.
The appointment comes after 12 months of solid growth for Locomote, as the company shifts its focus to developing corporate partnerships.
Larkin will be responsible for leading Locomote’s growth; assisting clients to transform their travel program, and providing them with tailored technology solutions to organise their corporate travel.
Most recently, Larkin was a procurement consultant at BPO consulting firm Infosys Portland, where she was responsible for delivering expertise in sourcing, implementations and efficiency improvement for corporate travel.
With travel industry experience spanning ten years, Sarah brings an abundance of market expertise and proficiency to Locomote.
4. TTNQ appoints Director Leisure Sales & Marketing
A destination marketing specialist with a diverse career in retail, wholesale and state government tourism marketing has been appointed to lead the highly regarded Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) Sales and Marketing team.
TTNQ Chief Executive Officer Alex de Waal said Jane Wilson, currently the Marketing and Business Development General Manager for Southern Travel Holdings, would take up the position of TTNQ Director Leisure Sales and Marketing on 3 August.
“Jane’s outstanding strategic marketing and analytical experience backed by a science degree and post graduate qualification in business management will bring significant strategic marketing leadership competence to TTNQ’s highly experienced team of four market specialists.”
Alex de Waal, TTNQ Chief Executive Officer
Prior to her current role, Jane led the New Zealand South Australian Tourism Commission destination marketing team for 14 years culminating in her team being awarded the Best International Tourism Office at the New Zealand Travel Industry Awards in 2012.
Mrs Wilson said she looked forward to working closely with Tropical North Queensland’s operators and key industry partners to ensure TTNQ continued to grow both expenditure and share of domestic and international visitors into Queensland’s premier holiday region.