Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry Movers and Shakers.
1. Nanuku Resort & Spa announces new Management Appointments
Fiji’s newest luxury resort Nanuku Resort & Spa has bolstered its management team with the appointment of two highly experienced and well regarded local tourism industry identities – Ms Angela Hassan and Ms Kini Saukuru.
Ms Angela Hassan.
Ms Hassan will manage all aspects of the resort’s industry sales activity as part of her new Sales Manager role.
Her extensive experience includes close on 20 years working in a variety of business development and sales roles with the Warwick Fiji Resorts Group, most recently as Sales & Marketing Manager at the Naviti Resort on the Coral Coast.
Ms Kini Saukuru.
Ms Saukuru joins Nanuku Resort & Spa as Front Office Manager following five-years at Musket Cove Island Resort in the Mamanuca Islands. Her experience also extends to Viwa Island Resort and Matamanoa Island Resort.
Welcoming Ms Hassan and Ms Saukuru to their new roles, Nanuku Resort & Spa’s General Manager, Karen Taylor said the two new appointees provided an excellent fit to the existing management tram.
“Their experience in the local industry speaks for itself, both are very well regarded both within Fiji and overseas and both will play a major role in further establishing Nanuku Resort & Spa in place as one of Fiji’s preeminent luxury properties.”
Karen Taylor
Ms Taylor paid tribute to outgoing Director of Sales & Marketing, Paul Cutler who is leaving the resort at the end of October. “Paul has played a significant role in helping to firmly position Nanuku Resort & Spa on the international luxury travel stage from day one and we all wish him well in his future endeavours,” she says.
2. Civil Aviation Saftey Authority: New Director of Aviation Safety
Mark Skidmore.
Mr Mark Skidmore AM has been appointed as the new Director of Aviation Safety at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The chairman of CASA’s Board Dr Allan Hawke AC announced the five year appointment today. Mr Skidmore has more than 30 years experience in both civilian and military aviation.
“Mark Skidmore brings a wealth of aviation experience to the position of Director of Aviation Safety at CASA. He has worked in civilian aviation as a test pilot, business development manager and company director. He has led large teams of operational, technical and administrative staff, providing leadership for operational, training and support functions,” says Hawke.
The new Director of Aviation Safety was chosen after an international search for the best available person to further develop CASA as a world leader in aviation safety regulation.
“CASA’s Board has full confidence that under the leadership of Mark Skidmore Australia’s proud aviation safety record will be protected and enhanced.”
“Mark is committed to working with the aviation industry and the general community to achieve the best possible safety outcomes.”
Allan Hawke
3. PATA appoint new chief executive officer
Mario Hardy.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mario Hardy as its next chief executive officer, effective November 1, 2014.
Mr Hardy is currently the chief operations officer of PATA, a position he has held since January 15th of this year.
He was approved to succeed Martin Craigs as the CEO by the PATA Executive Board at the last Executive Board Meeting held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in September 2014.
Through the end of November, Mr Craigs will fulfil obligations made as CEO at various speaking engagements that have been confirmed, including the Brisbane Global Cafe – Tourism’s New Frontiers on November 13, 2014, ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane, Australia.
PATA chairman Scott Supernaw said that the executive board is delighted that Mr Hardy has accepted this CEO appointment.
“In the short time he has been COO he has proven himself to be an effective and motivating leader. His management skills and creativity are what PATA needs to move the Association forward.”
Scott Supernaw
Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Hardy said he is humbled and honoured that the PATA executive board has entrusted me to take the Association to its next stage of transformation.
“I have been an active member of PATA since 2009 and I believe that by bringing further engagement with youth the Association will have a long lasting future,” Mr Hardy said.