Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers!
1. Mantra CEO chairs Queensland’s tourism board
Mantra’s Chief Executive, Bob East, has been appointed as Chairperson to the Tourism and Events Queensland Board.
Announced this week by Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones, Mr East brings some 20 years tourism experience to the group.
Minister Jones credited Mr East for the strengthening of the Mantra brand in Australasia.
2. Head changes at CLIA Australasia
Cruise Lines International Association announced that Neil Linwood has been named Managing Director of CLIA Australasia.
Mr Linwood has been promoted to this new role as the Australasia cruise industry continues to grow and the organisation’s membership needs expand.
In his new role, Mr Linwood will oversee strategic direction and government relations for the organisation, as cruise lines continue to bolster their presence in the region and the number of Australasian cruisers surges.
Mr Linwood will focus his efforts on regulation and infrastructure.
Mr Linwood has held the position of Executive Director for CLIA Australasia since 2014. Prior to CLIA, he served as Senior Vice President, Strategic Development at Carnival Australia.
In addition, Brett Jardine has assumed the role of Commercial Director and will focus on CLIA Australasia’s role in training and liaising with travel agents.
Mr Jardine will oversee CLIA’s burgeoning membership ranks in Australia and New Zealand.
3. Hilton Worldwide signs up Morag Ritchie
Hilton Worldwide appointed Morag Ritchie to the role of Director, International Sales in Australasia.
Heading up the Global Sales office for Hilton Worldwide, Morag brings over 20 years of tourism industry experience.
Previously with Emirates as Director of Sales & Marketing for the airline’s award winning Wolgan Valley Resort and prior to that with Hayman Island and Banyan Tree, Morag has been a guest speaker at ILTM Asia discussing trends in digital distribution and sustainability.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome such an accomplished new member to our team.”
Paul Hutton, Hilton Worldwide Vice President, Operations Australasia
“Morag’s strength in international sales complements our expansion in Asia Pacific, particularly that of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand which continues to grow from strength to strength.”
4. Lisa Pagotto joins Railbookers
Lisa Pagotto has recently joined rapidly growing rail specialist Railbookers in the newly created role of Partnerships and Distribution Manager to strengthen their increasingly popular customised journeys by rail worldwide.
With a highly successful background in sales, marketing and partnerships, Lisa brings with her 13 years of industry experience and a wealth of destination knowledge, management and travel experience.
Lisa will be charged with all sales, marketing, PR, partnership and distribution activities throughout the Australasian region.
Kevin Tasker, Managing Director, Railbookers said her appointment is a testament to the growth of tailored holidays in the market.
5. Meet Malaysia Airlines’ new CCO
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) officially appointed Paul Simmons as Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Paul is expected to commence his new role by the 1 December 2015.
Announcing the appointment, MAS’ Chief Executive Officer Christoph Mueller said in his position, Simmons will be responsible for re-establishing the Malaysia Airlines brand as a leading airline.
Prior to his appointment Paul was the Chief Commercial Officer for Flybe, United Kingdom. He was formerly the Regional General Manager, UK (2009 – 2013) and Head of Brand Marketing, Products and Distribution (2006 – 2008) for Easy Jet.
Paul spent five years in the hotel industry. He was the EVP Sales and Marketing for Oberoi Group of Hotels in India (2004 – 2006) and VP of Global Intercontinental Brand for Intercontinental Hotel Group in UK. (2001-2003)
Paul started his career in the FMCG industry, working for prestigious organizations like Procter and Gamble Heath and Beauty Care UK, S.C. Johnson Wax UK and Kellogg Marketing and Sales Company, UK.
6. Flight Centre CFO shifts to a senior role
Flight Centre’s current Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Andrew Flannery has received a promotion to a senior leadership role within the company.
The announcement comes seven years after Flannery was appointed CFO, and will see him take on the title of Executive General Manager of Flight Centre’s Australian corporate travel business. This includes overseeing the FCm Travel Solutions, Corporate Traveller, Stage & Screen, cievents, Campus Travel and 4th Dimension brands.
According to Flight Centre, these brands generate 30 percent of the company’s total transaction value in Australia, making it the company’s second largest operation globally behind the Australian leisure business.