Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers!
1. Marshall cruises from sea to hotels
She’s headed up some of the industry’s biggest land and cruise operators, but now Tammy Marshall is moving into hospitality as the first Chief Operating Officer to TFE Hotels.
Announced by CEO Rachel Argaman this week, Marshall will step into the newly created role in May where she will oversee hotel operations, team performance and business improvement across the organisation and brands.
“I have worked closely with Tammy in the past and admire her as a passionate leader and change agent. We’re privileged to have Tammy join our business in this critical period as TFE Hotels continues to transform and grow.”
Rachel Argaman, TFE CEO
2. Hogg heads up TA in China
Tourism Australia has appointed Andrew Hogg to the role of Regional General Manager Greater China, based in Shanghai.
Mr Hogg joins Tourism Australia from Qantas Airways, where he has held his current position of General Manager China since 2011.
He has held a number of other senior roles in a career spanning more than 25 years with Qantas Airways, covering finance, sales, marketing and operations.
Tourism Australia Managing Director John O’Sullivan said Andrew Hogg was a well-respected and senior leader with strong international experience and a skill-set ideally suited to the role and the region.
“This is a key position for us, and I’m delighted we’ve secured someone of Andrew’s calibre to lead our China and Hong Kong teams. Andrew has a deep knowledge of the market and is well connected in the region, both commercially and politically.”
John O’Sullivan, Tourism Australia Managing Director
3. Seabreeze Resort’s ‘tasty’ new appointment
The multiple award winning Seabreeze Resort, Samoa appointed a new Head Chef, Tasi, who has been with the resort for nine years.
Tasi, who got his name as he was the first male employed by Seabreeze, started with the resort as a labourer and assisted in building the resort.
Nine years later Tasi has worked under three international Chefs and now leads an enthusiastic and talented team.
Tasi wants to bring to the kitchen an element of surprise with his innovative palate and continuous curiosity with fusing flavors.
With creativeness at the forefront, Tasi is the man behind Seabreeze’s famous bacon, lobster and banana pizza.
With Seabreeze priding itself on showcasing quality, innovative cuisine and outstanding customer service, Tasi knows he will have to be at his best to maintain this high standard and he plans to use his creativeness to design a new and exciting menu that will lift the standard even higher.
Tasi loves working at Seabreeze and credits owners Chris and Wendy for helping him get to where he is today.
4. Brain steps into head Velocity’s finances
Sterling Brain has stepped into the newly created role of Chief Financial Officer at Velocity Frequent Flyer.
Mr Brain brings over 20 years’ experience in finance and strategy to the Group, having most recently held the role of Head of Loyalty at National Australia Bank.
Virgin Australia Group Chief Executive Officer John Borghetti sees Velocity Frequent Flyer as a significant value driver for the Virgin Australia Group and expects Brain to continue to drive growth.
5. Captain Cook dives head first with new instructor
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has revealed Clayton Purvis will be the new water sports manager and PADI Instructor on their accommodated cruise ship, MV Reef Endeavour.
Diving since childhood, Clayton developed his diving skills in the heavy currents of the Puget Sound.
Over the last 10 years he has worked across the globe as a dive instructor and adventure tour leader.
Clayton’s experience ranges from the frigid waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage to at altitude fresh water lakes and numerous locations throughout the tropics.
He has always wanted to work in Fiji and when he was offered this job with Captain Cook Cruises he didn’t hesitate in accepting.
Clayton also plans on taking advantage of the sailing schedule of the Reef Endeavour to further develop their on-board scuba diving program.
6. Solomons get bigger in Aus/NZ
(L-R): Tropics Tourism & Marketing Services director, Richard Hankin, SIVB marketing officer Australia, Stella Lucas and SIVB PR, Mike Parker-Brown
Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau chairman, Wilson Ne’e has confirmed the appointment of Tropics Tourism & Marketing Services as its industry marketing representative Australia/New Zealand.
Announcing the news, Mr Ne’e said the company would take immediate responsibility for all aspects of the national tourist office’s travel industry marketing and related trade activity in both key markets.
Headed by Sydney-based director, Richard Hankin, Tropics Tourism & Marketing Services has solid experience in the Solomon Islands and also the South Pacific where it has been active for more than 25 years.
This includes running a South Pacific specialist travel company and latterly, acting in an advisory role and actioning marketing campaigns for several Pacific Islands’ national tourist offices.
SIVB CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said Mr Hankin would be heavily involved as the SIVB sharpened its focus on the strategic direction it needs to take to achieve its goals with the travel industry in Australia and New Zealand.
7. American Express GBT’s new Chief Global Sales Officer
American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) appointed Christine Ourmieres-Widener as Chief Global Sales Officer.
In this role, Ms. Ourmieres-Widener, who was previously Chief Executive Officer of CityJet, will be responsible for GBT’s Global Sales organisation and Global Client Group, which work with GBT’s largest prospective and existing customers globally, as well as its Global Business Consulting division.
Ms Ourmieres-Widener, who will officially start with GBT in June, will report to GBT’s Chief Commercial & Technology Officer, Philippe Chérèque.
Based in London, Ms. Ourmieres-Widener joins GBT from European airline CityJet, where she has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2010.
In this role Ms. Ourmieres-Widener led the airline through a period of significant change as it transitioned from fully-owned subsidiary of Air France KLM to an independent company.
This included spearheading the investor process, developing future business plans, as well as the redesign of all of Cityjet’s organisational processes, policies and technology.
Prior to her role as Chief Executive Officer of CityJet, Ms. Ourmieres-Widener spent several years with Air France KLM, most recently as Vice President and General Manager for Air France KLM in the United States, and as General Manager for the UK and Ireland operations before that.
8. Insider Journeys grows with new Sales Manager
Insider Journeys has appointed Renee Stanton as National Sales Manager to help build its brand across the Australian travel trade.
General Manager, Customer Experience and Marketing Joe Ponte says Ms Stanton will be a strong addition to the Insider Journeys’ team and will provide significant support for the travel trade.
Experienced across multiple facets of the travel industry, including retail, wholesale, insurance and air, Ms Stanton recently returned from two years in Canada.
Prior to that, she was the Head of Sales for Adventure World.
“Renee clearly understands our brand… describing her love of travel in a way that completely aligns with our values.”
Renee Stanton, Insider Journeys National Sales Manager