Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers!
1. Coombes takes the helm at Flight Centre NZ
Flight Centre operations in New Zealand will be headed by a familiar face, with David Coombes returning to the country as the new Managing Director.
Coombes makes a comeback in Land of the Long White Cloud from the US where he held the title of Senior Vice President of Product.
He replaces Chris Greive, who steps down from the MD role in February after 30 years with Flight Centre.
2. Rocky Mountaineer gets new leadership
Rocky Mountaineer has appointed of Steve Sammut as its new President.
Since joining Rocky Mountaineer in 2012 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Sammut has been delivering consistent growth in both domestic and international markets.
Based in Vancouver, Sammut will continue to play a critical role in leading the executive team to continue building Rocky Mountaineer as the world leader in luxury train travel.
“It is a new era at Rocky Mountaineer and we are very pleased to have a leader of Steve’s caliber at the helm.”
John Furlong, Rocky Mountaineer Chairman
“His passion for the company, deep knowledge in capital markets and broad business acumen from the hospitality and real estate industries will continue to be invaluable to our organisation.”
Prior to joining Rocky Mountaineer, Sammut held the position of Chief Financial Officer with Intracorp Projects Limited, a leading real estate development firm and was also active in a variety of senior leadership roles at the global resort operator and developer, Intrawest ULC, including Corporate Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for the Real Estate Division.
3. Mantra appoints new VP of Acquisitions
Mantra Group has appointed hotel industry executive, Andrew Turner to the newly created position of Vice President Acquisitions, Asia.
Based at Mantra Group’s new regional office in Singapore, from late February, Andrew will drive the Group’s expansion into new Asian markets.
Andrew is one of the industry’s most successful and respected hoteliers, having served as CEO of Mirvac Hotels and Resorts and more recently as Executive Vice President, Business Development for SilverNeedle Hospitality.
Andrew currently sits on the National Board of the Australian Association of Accommodation, is an inductee of the HM Magazine Hall of Fame and recipient of the Hotelier of the Year award.
4. CHi Announces New Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Digital
Central Hospitality International (CHi) announced the appointment of Tom Thrussell as the Vice President of Brand, Marketing and Digital.
Thrussell is a British native with over 10 years of experience in the marketing field, having worked for leading companies such as American Express and Maybourne Hotel Group. Before joining CHi, Thrussell was the Director of Marketing Operations at Maybourne Hotel Group, which owns and manages Claridge’s, the Connaught and the Berkeley, three of the world’s most distinguished luxury hotels.
An experienced analytical and results-driven marketer, his passion lies in obtaining a deep understanding of the customer and delivering the optimum experience that meets and anticipates their needs, across all mediums.
