Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers!
1. Excite grows with another appointment
Excite Holidays continues to grow its local team with the latest appointment of Andrew Yell as General Manager Global Sales.
Andrew will manage the online travel wholesaler’s global sales team, international contracting team as well as leading the company’s strategic expansion into new markets.
He joins the company from The Travel Corporation where he held several senior positions such as General Manager Business Development and Executive General Manager for Creative Holidays.
Excite CEO and Founder, George Papaioannou, said the team was excited to have Andrew on board and can’t wait to utilise his extensive experience.
Earlier this year, Excite expanded its team by 15 new people. Click here to read more.
2. Singapore Tourism welcomes new Oceania manager
The Singapore Tourism Board has welcomed Kristina Kulchar as its new Manager Oceania.
Based in the Sydney regional office, Kristina will be managing the MICE markets across Australia and New Zealand.
Kristina joins the Oceania team with over 20 years’ travel and tourism industry experience. Previous roles saw her working across sales and consulting alongside a number of suppliers including airlines and hotels, such as The Leading Hotels of the World.
Part of Kristina’s new role will include implementing and developing business strategies for the MICE market, as well as raising awareness and driving consideration of Singapore as a destination for business and MICE travellers.
She will be working closely alongside Sharon Lam, Area Director Oceania, to continue developing new strategic approaches to position Singapore as a destination that is constantly evolving and expanding its offerings, while still retaining its unique cultural charm.
3. InterContinental Sydney appoints new Bars Manager
InterContinental Sydney is taking its beverages to the next level with the appointment of John Toubia to the position of Bars Manager.
John will be responsible for overseeing the new InterContinental Supper Club, innovating and creating a culture where the focus is on our wonderful array of beverage choices.
He has incredible knowledge and experience in the beverage/hospitality sector and will use his expertise to drive the beverage agenda across all other InterContinental Sydney outlets.
John’s bar and hospitality experience goes back over ten years, having had the great pleasure to work and own iconic venues such as Magazin, Grasshopper, and Zeta Bar developing world class knowledge around customer service, as well as an unique understanding of Sydney’s cosmopolitan bar scene.
He will bring great skills and new disciplines to the role and the hotel with his experience in cocktail innovation, engineering, pop-up events and activities.
John has implemented a series of creative arts programs and festivals in previous roles, as well as the development, marketing and hosting of cocktail and food making classes. This wide array of insight and knowledge will enable InterContinental Sydney to explore new avenues and grow in further areas.
4. Buhdy Bok promoted to Costa Group Asia President
Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group, announced the promotion of Buhdy Bok, the current President of Costa Asia, Costa Cruises Asia Pacific & China, to Costa Group Asia President, effective in October 2015.
The promotion demonstrates Costa Group’s continued expansion throughout Asia, and strong commitment to the China market in particular. In his new position, Buhdy Bok will be steering AIDA Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line, two cruise brands that will enter the China market in 2017.
Buhdy joined Costa in May 2011 as Vice President China. Beginning in January 2012, his role was extended to cover the rest of the Asia Pacific region, and his role grew to the position of Senior Vice President Asia Pacific & China in July 2013.
He was further promoted to President of Costa Asia, Costa Cruises Asia & China in February 2015.
