Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry movers & shakers.
1. Stacey takes off in new Air Buying role
Flight Centre Travel Group has announced the appointment of Stacey Seeto to the position of Business Leader of Air Buying, Global Fares and GDS.
Stacey will be responsible for managing airline and global distribution system (GDS) relationships, contracting, pricing and analysis for the global travel retailer.
Stacey brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to the role, having worked within Flight Centre Travel Group for the past 18 years.
She began as a ticketing consultant, rising through the ranks to become business leader of various ticket centre and global air roles.
Stacey has been credited with building strong internal relationships at every level in Flight Centre Travel Group and also with its airline and GDS partners.
Career highlights have included transitioning the business through new ticketing platforms, the creation of robotic ticketing, negotiating and maintaining major partnerships and a host of global and customer service awards.
2. Visit West Hollywood names new Chief Executive
Visit West Hollywood announces the appointment of Tom Kiely – a seasoned travel industry executive – to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective October 17, 2016.
Kiely will transition to Visit West Hollywood from the San Francisco Travel Association, where he has served as Executive Vice President – Tourism since 2010.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased that after an extensive search process, we have selected Tom Kiely to guide our organisation into the future,” said Greg Harless, Board Chair of Visit West Hollywood and Principal, Skye Partners.
“The Board is confident that his proven leadership and deep industry knowledge will enable him to effectively lead Visit West Hollywood in its mission to drive visitation and economic impact to the city.”
“I am honoured to have been chosen to lead such a prestigious organisation of professionals and look forward to working together to promote West Hollywood as the most vibrant and exciting destination in the USA.”
As CEO, Kiely will provide executive oversight of Visit West Hollywood operations and be responsible for implementing the direction set by the Board of Directors to fulfil the organisation’s mission and goals. Kiely has extensive sales, tourism and leadership experience within the hotel, destination management and attraction industries. His past experience includes leadership positions with the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, Atlantis The Palm – Dubai, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
3. Matthew Christie appointed Managing Director of Egencia
Egencia has appointed Matthew Christie as Managing Director, Egencia Australia.
Matt joined Egencia earlier this month, with a wealth of experience in B2B sales and general management.
He has spent the last five years as the General Manager and Head of Oceania for Grass Valley, a leading supplier of technology products to the broadcast industry. Prior to that, Matt spent eight years as the General Manager and Head of CNBC Australia New Zealand, the business and financial television channel of the NBC Universal Group.
Matt’s extensive experience working with Australian and multinational companies will be invaluable at Egencia in helping its customers transform their business travel programs and build success through growth while maximising savings and efficiency.
Outside of work, Matt is an insane sportsman, having completed seven Iron Man Triathlons.
Matt said: “I’m extremely excited to be joining the Egencia team in Australia and being part of the Expedia group.
“Egencia is a well-respected brand in Australia and is currently positioned very well to continue to grow and capture further market share in the immediate and long term.
“The Egencia brand is something I found very attractive primarily for the innovative product and strong focus on enabling technology. We have a unique and compelling sales proposition in the Australian corporate travel market.”
4. Ron Cusiter joins COMO’s sales and marketing team as Vice President
COMO Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Cusiter as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Ron is based at the company’s head-office on Orange Grove Road in Singapore and will lead the group’s global marketing and sales strategy.
With 25 years in the luxury hospitality industry, British national Ron – who graduated from Aberdeen College – joins COMO from Zurich, Switzerland, where he was Vice President of Sales Operations for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Southwest Asia for Hyatt International.
Throughout his career as a sales and marketing professional, Ron has worked for some of the most sought-after brands in the industry in a diverse range of regional and corporate roles where he successfully led the sales and marketing strategy and managed global teams.
Hans Jörg Meier, Chief Operating Officer of COMO Hotels and Resorts, said: “I am delighted that Ron is joining our executive team and very confident that his wealth of experience in luxury hospitality and leadership acumen will elevate our sales and marketing initiatives and strengthen our group’s performance.”
5. APT appoints new Public Relations Manager
APT Group has announced the appointment of Kathleen O’Dwyer as Public Relations Manager.
Kathleen has more than ten years of experience as a journalist and editor working in news and lifestyle media, and is a former newspaper travel editor.
Commenting on the appointment, APT Executive General Manager of Global Marketing & Sales Debra Fox said media was playing a more important role than ever in ensuring APT’s award winning programs were top of mind for both travel agents and travellers.
“When it comes to booking their next cruise or tour, we know that travellers look to their favourite media outlets for information and recommendations,” she said.
“Likewise, agents look to keep up to date with the latest APT itineraries and news through the industry’s array of trade publications.
“Kathleen’s knowledge of media operations and the Australian media landscape will help to ensure that we are there when travellers and agents are looking for us.”
Kathleen will work across the APT Group and will be the Australia and New Zealand media contact for APT, Travelmarvel, Captain’s Choice and Botanica. She will be based in APT’s Cheltenham office.