With a strong summer travel season just around the corner, the travel industry has seen a flurry of executive moves and appointments. To help keep track of who’s where in the industry, Travel Agent has rounded up a list of executive appointments from the end of February 2014.
RELATED: Top Executive Appointments, September 2013 Through February 2014
Airlines
Christopher Keen, Director of Network Strategy, Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines recently appointed Christopher Keen to the position of director of network strategy. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing and developing Hawaiian Airlines’ route network as it expands into new destinations.
Keen has more than a decade of experience in consulting with airlines on expansion strategies and network planning. Prior to joining Hawaiian Airlines, he served as senior associate at Oliver Wyman, an international management consulting firm, where he consulted with different airline clients on strategic growth plans. Other previous positions include senior manager at SH&E in Boston, Massachusetts and consultant at GCW Consulting in Arlington, Virginia.
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Alisa Onishi, Director of Brand Management, Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines promoted Alisa Onishi to the position of director of brand management. In this new role, she is responsible for overseeing Hawaiian Airlines’ global brand strategy and visual identity.
Onishi, who joined the company in 2011, previously held the title of manager - promotions, where she was responsible for developing and executing the airline’s sponsorships and promotional events across its growing network. She was also instrumental in launching six new routes for Hawaiian Airlines including Sapporo, Japan; New York City; Brisbane, Australia; and most recently, Beijing, China.
Consortia and Industry Organizations
Jeffrey Anderson, EVP, Avoya Travel
Avoya Travel, an American Express Travel Representative, announced that Jeffrey Anderson was promoted to executive vice president.
Michael Anderson, EVP, Avoya Travel
Avoya Travel, an American Express Travel Representative, announced that Michael Anderson was promoted to executive vice president.
Barbara Blattner, VP Associate Relations, Travel Leaders Franchise Group
Travel Leaders Franchise Group promoted Barbara Blattner from director of regional franchise consultants to VP associate relations in late April.
After first entering the travel industry in 1977, Blattner joined the company in 1992 as a business development manager, the precursor to the Travel Leaders position now known as a regional franchise consultant (RFC). While she retired from the company in 2004, she rejoined the organization in 2009 as director of the RFCs. She has since developed consistency in RFC consulting and associated tools that are offered to agency members.
Barbara Crowe, Ixtapa Travel, Saskatoon, SK, Ensemble Travel Group Board of Directors
In early May Ensemble Travel Group elected new members to its North American Board of Directors.
Robert Durant, WD World Travel Ltd., Vancouver, BC, Ensemble Travel Group Board of Directors
In early May Ensemble Travel Group elected new members to its North American Board of Directors.
Jose Ferreira, VP Business Solutions, Tzell Travel Group
Jose Ferreira has been named to the newly-created post of vice president of Business Solutions for Tzell Travel Group. In addition to working with Tzell senior leadership in driving engagement among its travel agents and branches for its existing programs, he will specifically oversee the development and implementation of new programs designed to further enhance their competitiveness in the marketplace.
Ferreira will join Tzell in July and be based at Tzell’s New York City headquarters and will report directly to Tzell president J.D. O’Hara.
Debbie Fiorino, SVP, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc.
Debbie Fiorino was appointed as the new senior vice president of CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., effective March 31.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience, Fiorino currently serves as senior vice president of human resources for World Travel Holdings, parent company for the CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. brands.
Fiorino was selected after a three-month search led by Brad Tolkin, co-chairman and CEO of World Travel Holdings. “After a very thorough interview and selection process, I am very confident in my appointment of Debbie,” said Tolkin. “I am extremely excited about the future of our CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. division with her at the helm. She will bring a fresh, new leadership approach that will guide us into the next exciting chapter.”
David Harris of Orion Travelinx in Burlington, ON, Chairman, Ensemble Travel Group Board of Directors
In early May Ensemble Travel Group elected new members to its North American Board of Directors.
Lynelle Lahey, Director of Business Development, The Travel Society
The Travel Society, a member of the Virtuoso luxury travel network, reports that Lynelle Lahey has been named director of business development.
Lahey will be responsible for developing and growing the portfolio of experienced independent travel advisors the Travel Society serves. She has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, including positions at Continental Airlines and Budget Rent A Car.
She has been associated with travel business development including corporate travel management companies such as Travel and Transport, CTM and Egencia.
Pam Massey, Vice President, Partner Marketing, Travel Leaders Group
Travel Leaders Group reports that longtime Group Marketing Department director Pam Massey has been promoted to vice president, partner marketing.
Massey joined the company in 2001 as Vacation.com’s director of national accounts before moving into an expanded role for all of Travel Leaders Group in 2011. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, Massey reports directly to Travel Leaders Group chief marketing officer Stephen McGillivray.
Sam McCully, VP Marketing, Avoya Travel
Avoya Travel, an American Express Travel Representative, appointed Sam McCully to Jeffrey Anderson's former post as vice president of marketing. McCully, who will lead the company's strategic marketing and communications efforts, brings more than 15 years of marketing leadership at such brands as the Boeing Company, Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, Microsoft and Samsung.
Jennifer Michels, VP Communications, ASTA
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) announced the appointment of Jennifer Michels as vice president of communicatiions, effective immediately.
Michels has more than 20 years of experience as a journalist covering transportation, travel and tourism, including a decade working on travel agent-specific issues for various trade publications. From 1997 to 2005, Michels served as the Washington D.C. Bureau Chief for Travel Agent magazine -- handling in-depth coverage of government, regulatory, retail and aviation-related topics.
Michels most recently was employed by the Transportation Trades Department as that group's director of communications.
Gloria Stock Mickelson, Director of Education Services, Travel Leaders Franchise Group
In late April, Travel Leaders Franchise Group promoted Gloria Stock Mickelson from senior manager of training to director of education services.
Stock Mickelson first joined the company in 1988 as manager of training, and she was promoted to senior manager of training six years ago. In addition to more than a quarter century of service to Travel Leaders, she also serves as president of the Upper Midwest Chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Last September, Stock Mickelson was honored nationally by ASTA for her advocacy in defeating a proposed sales tax on travel agency services in Minnesota.
Linda Sains, Lindale Travel, Asheville, NC, Ensemble Travel Group Board of Directors
In early May Ensemble Travel Group elected new members to its North American Board of Directors.
Ashish Sanghrajka, Director of Industry Relations, Millennials in Travel
Ashish Sanghrajka, the president of Big Five Tours and Expeditions, was appointed Director of Industry Relations on the board of directors for Millennials in Travel in late May.
Through this volunteer based role, the Kenyan native will consult with industry organizations about the next generation of travelers and their expectations.
Ross Spalding, Crown Cruise Vacations, Princeton, NJ, Ensemble Travel Group Board of Directors
In early May Ensemble Travel Group elected new members to its North American Board of Directors.
Mary Ann Strasheim, Custom Cruises & Travel, Omaha, NE, Ensemble Travel Group Board of Directors
In early May Ensemble Travel Group elected new members to its North American Board of Directors.
Cruise Lines
Rick Cazzell, VP Trade Support and Guest Services
MSC Cruises appointed Rick Cazzell as its new vice president of trade support and guest services as part of the line's big North American sales push.
Cazzell has more than 25 years of leadership experience within travel contact centers. Most recently at Silversea Cruises, he was responsible for day-to-day operations of the direct sales team working directly with various other departments, including Marketing and IT, to deliver bottom line results.
The appointment was announced at MSC's press conference at this year's cruise3sixty in Florida.
Gordon Dirker, Managing Director for North America, Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten’s chief commercial officer, Magnus Wrahme, announced the appointment of Gordon Dirker as managing director for North America in late April.
In his capacity as managing director, Dirker will oversee all North American operations -- directing sales, marketing, call center and product development, as well as relationships with outside vendors and partners.His hiring is another step in a series of moves the Hurtigruten has initiated this year: expanding its strategic relationship with sales and marketing firm Global Voyages Group, adding numerous regional sales positions to further support the customers, and moving its reservation call center to the US from Norway to offer easier contact and response. Dirker will be based out of Hurtigruten’s new Seattle offices and can be reached at [email protected].
Elizabeth Lindsley Elwood, Manager, Corporate and Incentive Sales, MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises appointed Elizabeth Lindsley Elwood as the manager of corporate & incentive sales for North America, a newly created position for the line. She will use her extensive cruise industry and corporate sales experience to grow the company’s incentive and meeting business within the meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) distribution channel as well as the corporate direct marketplace.
Elwood brings to MSC Cruises more than 30 years of sales, customer service and marketing experience in the global cruise and airline industries. Most recently, she was with Celebrity Cruises as corporate sales manager where she established preferred partnerships, exceeded goals regularly and was continuously recognized for her achievements. Her prior experience also includes Royal Caribbean International, as manager of corporate & incentive sales, Holland America Line Westours and Windstar Cruises where she served as a district sales manager, and Northwest Airlines where she held a variety of roles.
Kris Endreson, VP Field Sales, U.S. and Canada, Silversea Cruises
Kris Endreson was promoted to VP of field sales for the U.S. and Canada, reporting to Kristian Anderson, SVP and GM for the Americas. She will oversee management of the field and inside sales teams, with responsibility for developing and implementing strategic sales initiatives. Most recently she served as regional sales director for the eastern U.S. and Caribbean.
Endreson joined Silversea in 2011 as a regional sales director. Starting out in finance, her career transitioned to travel and includes 14 years as a sales manager with Royal Caribbean International.
Phil Flad, Regional Sales Director, Eastern U.S., Silversea Cruises
Phil Flad, who joined Silversea last year as director of brand partnerships, was named regional sales director for the eastern U.S. in May, reporting to Kristian Anderson, SVP and GM for the Americas.
Flad will be responsible for driving sales in the region by strengthening and expanding relationships with agency partners, and will also continue to manage brand partnerships. His past travel industry experience includes 16 years in management positions with American Express.
Adam Goldstein, President and COO, Royal Caribbean Cruises
In early April Adam Goldstein was named president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises.
Goldstein, a 25-year company veteran, had spent the previous 12 years as president and CEO of the company's largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International.
Goldstein has worked with Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises on the company's strategic direction. Goldstein's portfolio will include human resources, information technology, supply chain, corporate communications, safety & environment, government relations, guest port operations and commercial development.
Captain Mark Graves, Port Captain, Un-Cruise Adventures
Small ship adventure cruise line Un-Cruise Adventures hired Captain Mark Graves as the company’s port captain. Graves is based at the line’s Fishermen’s Terminal headquarters in Seattle.
Ship masters working aboard the adventure cruise line’s eight vessels will report directly to Graves. All aspects concerning vessel team management, voyage planning and navigation standards are under Mark’s direct leadership. Graves will also work closely with the company’s safety officer to ensure a safe and secure environment for the company’s crew and guests. Captain Graves reports directly to the company’s CEO.
Jim Henwood, SVP Hotel Operations and Group Services, MSC Cruises
Jim Henwood took on the expanded role of senior vice president of hotel operations and group services at MSC Cruises as part of the line's big North American sales push.
He’ll focus heavily on the group business, especially the affinity group market.
The promotion was announced at MSC's press conference at this year's cruise3sixty in Florida.
Nancy Logan, VP Sales and National Accounts, Uniworld
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection appointed Nancy Logan to VP of sales and national accounts. Logan will lead Uniworld’s sales and account operations in the US and Canada as an integral member of the company’s executive management team, bringing extensive experience in business development, marketing, group sales and national account management.
Logan has more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, with positions ranging from travel agent to district sales manager and manager of key accounts. Logan joined Uniworld in 2007 as manager of national accounts and was promoted to VP of national accounts in April 2012.
Logan holds a bachelor of business management degree with a minor in global business from Franklin University. Travel Agent listed her as one of the “Top 100 Rising Stars in the Travel Industry” in 2003, and she was inducted into Uniworld’s Sales Hall of Fame in 2010 and recognized as an Outstanding Sales Executive in 2013.
Ken Muskat, EVP, Sales, Marketing, Public Relations and Guest Services, MSC Cruises
Ken Muskat, former senior vice president – sales and marketing -- was promoted to executive vice president of sales, marketing, public relations and guest services as part of MSC's big North American sales push.
He’ll continue to oversee the North American sales, marketing, public relations and customer service while adding new responsibilities that include reservations (both trade and consumer). “Ken’s contributions in under a year have helped propel awareness of MSC Cruises to our travel agent partners and consumers in North America,” said Sasso.
The promotion was announced at MSC's press conference at this year's cruise3sixty in Florida.
Kim Guimaraes, VP National Account Sales for the Americas, Silversea Cruises
In late May Kim Guimaraes was promoted from director to VP of national account sales for the Americas, reporting to Kristian Anderson, SVP and GM for the Americas.
Guimaraes joined Silversea in 2010 as a regional sales director, bringing to her position over 24 years of management experience in the travel industry, including travel agency sales development and 12 years leading regional sales efforts for Carnival Cruise Lines.
Nicola Iannone, Director of Sales, USA, CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope appointed Nicola Iannone as director of sales, USA. With the calling center in New York, Iannone will be responsible for developing strong business relationships between CroisiEurope and major travel retailers, consortia and tour operators throughout North America.
Jansen B. Lagman, District Sales Manager, Celebrity Cruises
Jansen B. Lagman was named district sales manager for Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Ventura and Santa Barbara. Lagman joins the Celebrity Cruises team after spending the past ten years with Princess Cruises in sales management roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, Lagman held the position ofBusiness Development Manager covering the Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Ventura County and Santa Barbara area.
Bonnie Levengood, SVP Marketing, MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises USA President Richard E. Sasso has appointed Bonnie Levengood to the newly created position of SVP of marketing, leading the company’s consumer and travel industry marketing and digital activities throughout North America.
Levengood has nearly two decades of marketing and financial experience. Most recently, she ran her own marketing company. Prior to that, she headed up marketing and sales for nearly eight years for 1-800-PetMeds, America’s largest pet pharmacy, leading the company’s annual revenue to more than $239 million by creating new direct marketing programs that included email marketing campaigns, new TV commercials and direct mail and catalog programs.
Levengood’s marketing experience also includes serving as manager, director and interim VP for American Express Financial and, on the agency side, she ran the creative and customer service departments for First Marketing, A Taylor Company, servicing Fortune 100 clients nationwide.
Wayne Peyreau, Regional VP, Sales, USA, MSC Cruises
As regional VP, sales USA, Peyreau will be responsible for USA south field sales managers throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia as well as the Business Development Specialists and Sales Support Specialists in the Ft. Lauderdale headquarters.
Denise Reichwein, Regional Sales Director, Northeastern U.S., MSC Cruises
Reichwein brings more than a quarter century of industry experience to MSC Cruises as the newly appointed regional sales director for the North Eastern region of the U.S. She will be responsible for managing the USA north field sales managers covering New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware and Washington, DC.
Jaymie De Los Reyes, Event and Sales Support Specialist, Celebrity Cruises
Jaymie De Los Reyes was promoted to the newly created position of event and sales support specialist, for the Los Angeles Market. Reyes’ project management and logistical planning expertise, as well as experience working internationally in European, Asian, and Australian markets, has prepared her for this new role.
Marilys Ward, Los Angeles Team Manager, Celebrity Cruises
Marilys Ward was promoted to Los Angeles Team Manager of Celebrity Cruises. Ward will lead a team of seven Southern California based sales and marketing professionals as part of Celebrity Cruises Southern California strategy. She has spent the past four years as district sales manager for Celebrity Cruises covering the Orange County and San Diego markets.
Departures
Ellen Bettridge Resigns From Sandals
Late May 29 a Sandals spokesperson confirmed the resignation of Ellen Bettridge from her role as president of Unique Vacations, Inc. (UVI).
UVI is the exclusive representatives of Sandals Resorts International in the Americas. Sandals declined to comment further.
Larry Kwan Retires as President of Pacific Delight Tours
In April Pacific Delight Tours announced the retirement of company president Larry Kwan after a career of over 50 years in the travel industry.
Kwan joined Pacific Delight as senior VP in 1973, working with late founder Francis Luk to grow the company into the industry leader it is today. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), where Kwan played a pivotal role in the organization's Membership Committee.
John Lynch, Jamaica's Director of Tourism, Resigns
John Lynch, director of tourism for Jamaica, resigned toward the end of May.
Lynch served in that capacity for five and a half years, culminating with a record-breaking year in 2013 when for the first time the destination welcomed 2 million visitors in a calendar year.
Adrian Zecha Steps Down as Amanresorts Chairman
Adrian Zecha, founder of Amanresorts, stepped down from his position of chairman and CEO in early May.
Johan Eliasch took over as chairman while Vladislav Doronin was appointed CEO.
Hotels and Resorts
Marcella Bettis, Director of Sales and Marketing, Waterfall Group
The all-inclusive sport fishing resort management company, Waterfall Group, announced Marcella Bettis as their new Director of Sales and Marketing across all properties on May 27. “I’m excited to join the experienced team at Waterfall Group, and to lead the sales and marketing organization to the next level,” said Bettis.
Bettis has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She got her start in hospitality with Vail Resorts in 1991 as Regional Director of Sales & Marketing where she oversaw their Vail Beaver Creek Collection. After holding the position for over 19 years, Bettis was most recently the Regional Director of Marketing representing 4 RockResorts and over 1,000 luxury condominiums.
Mário Candeias, Managing Director, Las Ventanas al Paraiso
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts named Mário Candeias the new managing director of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
In his new role, Candeias will oversee all areas of the property, including the 83 suites and villas, three restaurants and spa.
Katie Cotten, Director of Catering and Conference Services, Montage Kapalua Bay
Katie Cotten was appointed the director of catering and conference services at the new Montage Kapalua Bay.
A seasoned hospitality and culinary executive, Cotten arrives at Montage Kapalua Bay from Grand Wailea on Maui, where she was group sales manager and social catering manager and exceeded annual group and sales goals consecutively.
Heidi Denecke, Leisure Sales Manager, Montage Kapalua Bay
Heidi Denecke was appointed leisure sales manager at Montage Kapalua Bay.
Denecke served for more than 17 years overseeing domestic and international travel agency, sports and entertainment accounts as a senior sales manager for The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
Christopher Ehmann, GM, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
After opening two hotels in Bangkok for Hilton, and after a four-year run in Southeast Asia, hotelier Christopher Ehmann is relocating to New Zealand’s South Island where he’ll take charge of the three-year-old Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa as general manager.
With more than two decades of hospitality management experience in Europe, the Middle East and Australia, the Vancouver native most recently launched the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton, Sukhumvit Bangkok. Ehmann started with Hilton in 1998.
Johan Eliasch, Chairman, Amanresorts
Adrian Zecha, founder of Amanresorts, stepped down from his position of chairman and CEO in early May.
Johan Eliasch took over as chairman while Vladislav Doronin was appointed CEO.
Casandra Foister, Director, Sales and Marketing, Kimpton's Sky Hotel in Aspen
Kimpton's Sky Hotel in Aspen appointed Casandra Foister as the property's new director of sales and marketing.
With more than 20 years of experience in the Aspen area, Foister most recently worked for the Hotel Jerome in Aspen. Foister joined the Sky Hotel earlier this month.
Foister began her hospitality career at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, before moving to Aspen where she worked for several area hotels, including the Limelight, Innsbruck and Hotel Jerome, all in a sales and marketing capacity.
Andrew Gee, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, Australia and New Zealand, Outrigger Enterprises Group
Andrew Gee has been named regional director of sales and marketing for Australia and New Zealand based in Sydney and focusing on the outbound market. Gee was most recently director of sales and marketing for the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji.
Scott Gubrud, Director of Sales and Marketing, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
Scott Gubrud has been named director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Gubrud will provide leadership on the day-to-day operations of the sales and marketing departments, while maintaining focus on the company’s strategic goals. Gubrud brings more than 25 years of experience in sales and hospitality to the resort. He joins the Four Seasons with a long track record as the director of sales and marketing at a variety of resorts in the Vail Valley, most recently at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa, where he had been since 2005.
Kathy Hansberry, Promotions and Public Relations Manager, Outrigger Enterprises Group
Outrigger Enterprises Group recently announced the promotion of Kathy Hansberry to promotions and public relations manager.
In her expanded role, Hansberry will manage the company’s corporate sponsorships and other event marketing promotions working in concert with the director of public relations, sales and marketing, hotel operations, corporate partners and event planners.
Walter Hess, General Manager, The Chedi Club Jumbaran
Walter Hess was appointed the first general manager at The Chedi Club Jumbaran. Hess arrived off of his latest position as Resident Manager at the Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam. A graduate of Switzerland’s École hôtelière de Lausanne, Hess honed his skills at hotels in Geneva, Bern and Malaysia, before climbing the ranks at the Four Seasons to become Director of Rooms. He followed this position with a spell as Executive Assistant Manager of the One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives, before joining General Hotel Management in 2012.
This will be the fourth luxury Bali property for the Singapore based hotel group and their third hotel to be opened within the span of a year.
Jarvis Johnson, Associate Digital Project Manager, Aqua Hospitality
Jarvis Johnson was one of two recent additions to Aqua Hospitality's online marketing team.
In his newly-created position, Johnson will keep up with technology trends, gather requirements needed for new and existing online projects and assist the digital content manager in completing vital projects. Prior to Aqua, Johnson worked in the telecommunications industry. Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in business management from Savannah State University in Georgia.
Debbie Kurtz, Director of National Accounts, East Coast, Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc. announced the appointment of Debbie Kurtz as the director of national accounts for the East Coast region. In her new position, Kurtz will assume responsibilities for meetings, groups and incentive sales across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions for Vail Resorts Hospitality and RockResorts.
Kurtz brings extensive travel industry experience to her new role. For the past 18 years she has been based in the New York City area serving in various sales positions for international hoteliers as well as a global airline. Since 2006, she has been promoting meetings, incentives, conventions and events in the hotel industry, primarily as the director of sales.
Karen Marvel, director of sales and marketing, Fiji, Outrigger Enterprises Group
Karen Marvel was appointed director of sales and marketing for Outrigger’s two Fiji resorts, the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji and Castaway Island, Fiji. Marvel was most recently head of sales and marketing for Castaway Island, Fiji.
Alex Matthies-Arnold, Director of Sales and Marketing, Montage Kapalua Bay
Alex Matthies-Arnold was appointed the director of sales and marketing for Montage Kapalua Bay. Matthies-Arnold arrives from nearby Grand Wailea, a Hilton resort on Maui, following a decade-long run as associate director of sales.
During her 10-year tenure at Grand Wailea, Matthies-Arnold's sales achievements were recognized five times with a Circle of Excellence award, and she earned an "Elite Circle of Excellence" in 2012 by finishing in the top one percent of Hilton Worldwide Sales.
Jaimie Nagle, Digital Content Manager, Aqua Hospitality
Jaimie Nagle was one of two recent additions to Aqua Hospitality's online marketing team.
Nagle is responsible for digital content creation and repurposing of content across all Aqua hospitality online platforms. Prior to joining Aqua, Nagle was a freelance writer/editor as well as an adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, teaching english literature and creative writing. Currently a doctoral candidate at UH Manoa, Nagle runs the monthly reading series, Mixing Innovative Arts at Fresh Café in Kakaako. This free event features local artists who perform their work alongside mainland and international authors.
Carlos Salazar, General Manager, Belle Mont Farm and Villas in St. Kitts
Momentum continues to grow around the eagerly awaited Belle Mont Farm on Kittitian Hill in St. Kitts, scheduled for completion in December with the appointment of Carlos Salazar as the property’s general manager.
Salazar joins the Kittitian Hill team at a key time of the project. His career to date includes general manager of Bimini Bay Resort in The Bahamas and Z Ocean Hotel in Miami’s South Beach.
In addition, Salazar has worked as managing director and executive assistant manager/food and beverage at both Rosewood Hotels and Resorts’ Jumby Bay, Antigua and The Carlyle, New York. Across a career spanning more than 20 years Salazar has also worked for leading hotel groups Mandarin Oriental and Hilton Hotels in Asia Pacific.
Bart Santiago, VP Finance, Aqua Hospitality
Aqua Hospitality announced that Bart Santiago has joined its team as vice president of finance.
A hospitality industry veteran, Santiago spent the past 14 years with Hilton Hotels, most recently as director of finance at the Grand Wailea in Wailea, Maui. Prior to that, he held finance positions with Hyatt Hotels, Adam's Mark Hotel, Interstate Hotels and the Skipper's restaurant chain in the Pacific Northwest.
Ignacio Mendoza Valenzuela, Managing Director, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
In early May Ignacio Mendoza Valenzuela joined the management team at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit as managing director.
Mendoza earned a degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Universidad La Salle in Cancun and immediately began his work as a professional in Amsterdam at the Le Meridien Apollo. He has also held positions with Carrousel Hotel Cancun-Riviera Maya as operations manager, Hotel Presidente InterContentinal Cancun and Guadalajara as director of food and beverage, Hotel Casa de Campo La Romana in the Dominican Republic as executive assistant manager/director of food and beverage and Hotel Secrets Marquis in Los Cabos as resident manager.
Bernard de Villèle, GM, The St. Regis Mexico City
The St. Regis Mexico City has named Bernard de Villèle its new general manager.
de Villèle comes to the position having worked at The St. Regis Mauritius as the general manager. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Jason Zvatora, Regional Director of Revenue and Distribution, Outrigger Enterprises Group, Australia and Fiji
Jason Zvatora was promoted to regional director of revenue and distribution for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts in Australia and Fiji and is based at Outrigger Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. Zvatora was most recently in charge of revenue and distribution for Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji.
Technology / GDS Suppliers
Charles Young, SVP, Corporate Marketing and Communications, Sabre
Sabre appointed Charles Young as senior vice president, corporate marketing and communications. Having served in similar roles for several Fortune 500 companies, including 15 years with General Electric (GE), he will lead Sabre's internal and external communications, media relations, event and brand management, corporate responsibility and marketing communications programs.
Most recently, Young served as vice president of strategic marketing for Quest Diagnostics. He previously held senior marketing and communications roles with Zimmer, WellPoint, Tyco International and GE Healthcare.
Tourism / Visitors Bureaus
Wilhelm von Breymann, Minister of Tourism, Costa Rica
The Costa Rica Tourism Board, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT), and recently elected government officials in Costa Rica have announced the appointment of prominent tourism industry businessman Wilhelm von Breymann as its new Minister of Tourism. In his new position, von Breymann will oversee the development and execution of tourism board initiatives as well as promote the depth and diversity of the Central American country’s tourism product in the international marketplace.
The appointment of von Breymann comes as a result of Costa Rica’s April 6 presidential election following which the National Liberation Party, lead by President-elect Luis Guillermo Solís, was voted as the new governing power for the Central American country.
Jose Antonio Rivera Campos, Regional VP, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association
Richard Doumeng, president of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), has appointed Jose Antonio Rivera Campos, vice president of development for AMResorts in Cancun, as a regional vice president responsible for outreach on behalf of CHTA in the Mexican Caribbean, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Rivera serves on the Board of Directors of Asociacion de Hoteles de Cancun and Puerto Morelos, where he is the CHTA representative.
As vice president of development for AMResorts, Rivera has served since 2004 as the point person for all development projects and has overseen the construction of eight new properties as well as the refurbishment of four properties and expansion of three resorts. He also seeks out new growth opportunities for AMResorts.
Fred Dixon, President and CEO, NYC & Company
Fred Dixon was appointed of president and CEO of NYC & Company in mid-March.
With more than 23 years of experience in the travel industry, Fred Dixon will be responsible for developing and implementing New York City’s tourism and convention development strategy internationally as well as in domestic leisure and business markets. At NYC & Company, he has built a sales and marketing team that is at the core of the organization’s strategy to increase visitation and increase economic impact across the City.
Dixon has served on boards including National Tour Association (NTA), Tourism Cares, Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), US Travel Association/IPW Planning Committee and was the City’s appointment to the Board of the Javits Center Operating Corporation.
Victoria Isley, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Bermuda Tourism Authority
The Bermuda Tourism Authority recently announced that Victoria Isley has been named its chief sales and marketing officer.
Isley, a 20-year veteran of the tourism and hospitality industry will oversee all of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s sales and marketing efforts in North America based out of its New York office. She started her new position on June 2.
Petra Roach, Interim President and CEO, Barbados Tourism Authority
Petra Roach, vice president of marketing and sales, U.K. assumed the role of interim president and CEO of the Barbados Tourism Authority on May 2.
Over the past 12 years, Roach has been a driving force for the Barbados Tourism Authority in the U.K. market, developing key campaigns including the British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament and the Top Gear Festival Barbados, as well as pushing for the ratifying of Britain's Air Passenger Duty, which was reformed earlier this year.
Barry Wallace, Board of Directors, American Hotel & Lodging Association
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has elected Barry Wallace, executive vice president of hospitality services for Outrigger Enterprises Group, to its 2014 Board of Directors.
Wallace will serve as a representative in the Brand segment. The new board of directors is comprised of top-level lodging executives representing the full scope of the lodging sector, including brands, owners and REITS, management companies, independents, and state associations.
As executive vice president, hospitality services at Outrigger Enterprises Group, Wallace is responsible for all hospitality service operations for the company’s hotels, resorts and condominiums in the Outrigger portfolio in Hawaii and Guam.
Tour Operators and Attractions
Randy Alleyne, President, GOGO Vacations
GOGO Vacations reports it has promoted Randy Alleyne to president, moving up from his previous post as vice president of sales.
Marg Mulholland, the former president of GOGO Vacations, is moving back home to Australia and taking a position with Flight Centre Travel Group, GOGO’s ultimate parent company.
Loredana Costantino, Regional Sales Director, Northeast, MLT Vacations
Loredana Costantino has been appointed MLT Vacations regional sales director, Northeast, responsible for managing high-value partnerships, generating new business, increasing sales performance and continuing to support Delta Air Line’s strategic growth in New York. Costantino reports to MLT Vacations sales vice president Terry Williams.
A veteran of the airline industry, Costantino most recently worked in New York for Air France/KLM as director of marketing and e-commerce for the U.S. This role included optimizing sales and distribution. With more than 30 years of travel and sales experience, including leadership responsibility for specialty and leisure sales at Swiss International Air Lines, Costantino brings a strong background in sales development, national account management and sales team leadership to MLT Vacations.
Lynn Clark, Travel Agency Sales and National Accounts, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
In late April Lynn Clark was named the new vice president, travel agency sales and national accounts for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. The role is similar to the one vacated by Craig Parsons, Disney's former vice president of travel industry sales.
In this role, Clark will lead Disney’s Travel Agency Sales and National Accounts teams. These teams are responsible for revenue production from U.S.-based travel agencies and national accounts for the division’s domestic products, including Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland Resort, Aulani and Adventures by Disney. Clark will report directly to Kenneth Svendsen, senior vice president, global sales, and president, Walt Disney Travel Company.
Jeffrey Clarke, EVP, Travel Impressions
Jeffrey Clarke has been appointed as the new executive vice president of Travel Impressions. He will work alongside Tim Mullen, the company’s president.
Clarke will start his new position on June 23, and will operate out of Travel Impressions’ headquarters in Farmingdale, NY.
Loreto DeRubeis, Manager Group Operations, Pleasant Holidays
Central Holidays appointed Loreto DeRubeis as manager of group operations.
DeRubeis has more than 35 years of travel industry experience, particularly in international sales, product development and marketing. In his new role, DeRubeis will help develop programs for groups traveling to Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Croatia and other European countries, as well as to Egypt, Jordan, Dubai and Israel.
David Gudgel, VP Business Development, Clipper Vacations
In early May Clipper Vacations announced David Gudgel joined in a newly created position, VP of business development, reporting to president and CEO, Darrell Bryan.
In this role, Gudgel will be responsible for the development of key strategic growth, product distribution and passenger service enhancement initiatives. For over 20 years, he has served in key roles in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Caribbean and Europe travel markets in cruise, transportation and international package travel segments. He has experience in both large and small organizations, starting his career with Holland America Line and most recently working with Europe Express, an outbound tour operator specializing in custom group and individual travel.
Deborah Macellara, Business Development Manager, New York Metropolitan Tri-State Area, MLT Vacations
Deborah Macellara was appointed a business development manager for the New York area at MLT Vacations, reporting to Loredana Costantino.
Macellara is also an airline veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the New York marketplace. Prior to joining MLT Vacations she worked with Delta Air Lines, where she most recently served as a senior national sales account executive. In this position, Macellara successfully managed Fortune 100 and 500 corporate travel accounts. In 2011, she earned the Platinum Circle Award, which is the premier sales achievement award at Delta Air Lines Global Sales and Distribution.
Larry McCarthy, National Sales Director, Perillo Tours
Perillo Tours named Larry McCarthy as the company’s new national sales director responsible for the trade sector. McCarthy comes to Perillo from Globus family of brands after three decades of experience increasing sales and overall destination and product awareness among travel agents.
Beginning his career in 1984, McCarthy was responsible for a territory stretching 14 states in the Midwest where he developed relationships with thousands of travel professionals. He was promoted to national sales training manger, and then director of national accounts, and finally director of travel industry Relations with Globus. He has developed and delivered targeted sales training to numerous national accounts, industry consortia, travel trade organizations and the home-based channel.
Eric Oborski, President, Pacific Delight Tours
Eric Oborski became president of Pacific Delight Tours following the retirement of longtime president Larry Kwan.
The former InConTra chief and founder has held various leadership positions at prominent companies from Orient Paradise Tours to Japan Airlines.
Oborski brings decades of experience to Pacific Delight Tours with significant expertise within the Asia-Pacific region as well as global markets. He launched his career in 1969 as a travel consultant and outbound manager for Joe Grace's Travel Center of Japan in Tokyo. He moved to New York in 1971 to become sales and operations manager - and later, general manager - at Orient Paradise Tours, Pacific Delight's main competitor throughout the 1970s.
Lisa Orlando, Business Development Manager, New York Metropolitan Tri-State Area, MLT Vacations
Lisa Orlando was appointed a business development manager for the New York area at MLT Vacations, reporting to Loredana Costantino.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the New York area, Orlando most recently worked as an outside sales associate handling more than 20 major corporate travel accounts. Orlando brings expertise in sales, account management, sales management, marketing and customer service to the position.
Kenneth Svendsen, President, Walt Disney Travel Company
In late March Kenneth Svendsen was named president of Walt Disney Travel Company, as well as vice president of global sales.
Svendsen will be responsible for leisure and non-leisure sales channels within the domestic parks and resorts segment, such as travel agency sales, group and convention sales and services, special program sales, Disney Vacation Club sales, consumer direct sales and travel operations. He will also lead the Walt Disney Travel Company. Additionally, his team will serve as a center of expertise and support for the division’s international sales functions in key markets and regions in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Svendsen had previously served in key executive roles at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts during 2006-2009.
Connie Wallace, Business Development Manager, SITA World Tours
Connie Wallace joined SITA World Tours in the position of business development manager overseeing the Northeastern United States. Wallace is responsible for fostering travel agent partnerships and developing business within her territory. She will have a particular focus on educating agents on the benefits and advantages of working with SITA World Tours.
Wallace comes to the position with more that 20 years experience in the travel industry, working in marketing positions with Universal Orlando Resort, as well as a major cruise line and tour operator.