Who got a new gig this week? Check out this week’s travel industry’s Movers and Shakers!
1. Singapore Tourism Board welcomes Rebecca Lavender
Rebecca Lavender.
The Singapore Tourism Board is delighted to welcome Rebecca Lavender to the expanding Oceania team. Based in the Sydney regional office, Rebecca will be responsible for the travel trade across Australia and New Zealand. Rebecca joins the Singapore Tourism Board with over 8 years of travel industry experience, with past achievements being the organisation of large-scale roadshows and familiarisation trips for agents.
Her new responsibilities will include the development of trade training programs, assisting with the facilitation of travel trade famils and maintaining industry relationships with key stakeholders.
Whilst creatively communicating the ongoing marketing campaign – ‘Get Lost and Find the Real Singapore’ – they will work collaboratively to challenge Aussies’ dated perceptions about the city-state.
“On behalf of the Singapore Tourism Board, I am thrilled to welcome Rebecca to our expanding Sydney-based team.”
Sharon Lam, Area Director Oceania, Singapore Tourism Board
2. Royal Caribbean announces 2 proven veterans as new leaders
Michael Bayley.
Michael Bayley, who worked his way up from an assistant purser’s position aboard the Nordic Prince, will serve as President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest cruise brand. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, whose career at the company began in the New England sales office, will serve as President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, a leader in the premium market.
Both appointments are effective immediately.
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo.
Bayley assumes Royal’s helm after a successful term as Celebrity’s President and CEO.
At Celebrity, he delivered strong results while building the company’s “modern luxury” positioning, which resonated successfully with Celebrity’s sophisticated customer base.
He is credited for playing a key role in the company’s international expansion, helping launch company operations in markets around the world.
“This is a happy day for Michael and Lisa, and a proud day for all of us at the company.”
Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO
Lutoff-Perlo began her company career as a district sales manager in her native New England. She moves to her new role from her position as Executive Vice President, Operations at Royal Caribbean, where she played a critical role in the recent successful launch of Quantum of the Seas, the first in the company’s newest class of ships.
3. New Account Manager for Oman Tourism
Margaret Spiro.
Margaret Spiro has been appointed as the Account Manager for Sultanate of Oman Tourism in New Zealand. Well known in the travel industry, Spiro is based in Auckland and responsible for all trade and consumer development throughout New Zealand.
“Her dedication with the roles she has undertaken in the past, her knowledge and expertise in tourism marketing and trade relationships made her a stand out from the start.”
“Margaret will be a true asset to Oman Tourism in the NZ market.”
Mona Tannous, Country Manager Australia/NZ
Margaret’s prime focus will be the development of tactical initiatives with our trade partners for the consumer market and fostering key MICE business which was very promising after the recent PAICE Exhibition.
4. Hospitality Veteran appointed Senior VP for L.E. Hotels
Michael Lorenz.
L.E. Hotels announced its appointment of Michael Lorenz as its new Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Lorenz brings to L.E. Hotels more than 20 years of past hospitality experience in working in similar senior level positions with major luxury and lifestyle hotel brands.
In his new position, Lorenz, who has an extensive background in sales management, marketing strategy and online marketing, will be responsible for the global sales, corporate PR and all marketing initiatives for L.E. Hotels.
“Michael’s impressive resume of accomplishments makes him a valuable addition to the L.E. Hotels team.”
Efrem Harkham, Chairman & Founder
“We look forward to his leadership of our sales and marketing units. I am delighted to have him on board.”
5. New VP corporate marketing of Costa Crociere
Luca Casaura.
Starting from today Luca Casaura has been appointed Vice President Corporate Marketing of Costa Crociere, reporting to Norbert Stiekema, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing.
In this position Luca Casaura will coordinate all marketing activities concerning the development and positioning of the brand, media and communication strategy, research and product development. He started out at Unilever Italy in late 1997, before joining the Danone Group in 2000.
Since 2013 he held the position of Activia Global VP Marketing, launching the first ever Global ICP Campaign for the Dairy Market leading brand in 72 countries.
“I am very excited to work with Luca, an outstanding marketer with proven vision, creativity and great capability to bring change.”
Norbert Stiekema, EVP Sales & Marketing
6. Roland Adrian new managing director of Miles & More
Roland Adrian.
Roland Adrian will become Managing Director of Miles & More GmbH as of 1 January 2015, with responsibility for Partner Management, Marketing & Sales.
His predecessor in the role, Joachim Steinbach, is moving to the Lufthansa HelpAlliance as Chief Representative after three successful years at Miles & More.
Adrian will lead the global activities and competences of the Miles & More bonus business and programme operations, alongside Harald Deprosse, Managing Director for the Award Programme, Finance & Operations.
Roland Adrian has been in the loyalty business for more than twelve years, most recently as Vice President International New Market Development for Payback GmbH.