New roles for the industry’s movers and shakers
ExecuJet
ExecuJet Aviation Group has appointed Richard Porter to the newly created position of business development and key account manager. Based in ExecuJet’s Singapore office, his responsibilities include continuing the expansion of ExecuJet’s aircraft management business, increasing the company’s client base and overseeing operational and service standards for all aircraft under management in the Asia region.
Porter has over 23 years of experience in business aviation, most recently as key account manager for flight operations with ExecuJet in Australia. He first joined ExecuJet in 2005 in the United Kingdom and has held various operational responsibilities within the group. Earlier in his career, Porter worked in operational and engineering roles for companies including Shell, Raytheon and Hawker Pacific in locations including Holland and Saudi Arabia.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
A K Sharma has taken over the charge of airport director at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. Before this he was posted as regional executive director, western region -AAI, Mumbai. He has vast experience of around 29 years in the field of airport engineering, management and operations.
Sharma has undergone training in Paris on airport management by Airport-de-Paris and two weeks training by European Union and also one week training in Master Planning by Airport -de- Paris in NIAMAR, New Delhi. He did a certificate course on International Executive Diploma in Project Management from George Washington University, Washington, USA.
Bombardier
Bombardier has appointed Peter Likoray as senior vice president of sales for Business Aircraft.
Likoray joined Bombardier’s Amphibious Aircraft division in 1990 – first within the parts sales team and then as sales director. He has been selling business jets for Bombardier Business Aircraft since 2005. In 2011, he was appointed regional vice president of Business Aircraft sales for Eastern US and Canada. Most recently, Likoray held the position of vice president, Business Aircraft sales for North America.
Accelya
Accelya has appointed John Johnston as group chief executive officer. His induction in Accelya’s leadership team is a part of the succession plan of Philippe Lesueur, president, Accelya Group, who will continue to remain on the Board of Accelya companies and serve as an advisor.
Johnston was until recently, chief executive officer of Champ Cargosystems and has been responsible for the creation and growth of Champ Cargosystems into one of the world’s largest dedicated IT providers to the aircargo industry. During his career, he has held senior executive positions in several countries and has provided senior management and consulting services to a number of global airlines.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has appointed Brian O’Connor to the role of vice president, public relations, effective June 1. He succeeds Julie Benson who will retire May 29, after 32 years of service. In this role, O’Connor will lead the team accountable for media relations, publicity, social media, community relations, ship introductions and special events. He will drive messaging for product and program launches and be responsible for issues management and crisis communications. He will also oversee the collaboration among the international public relations teams in the United Kingdom, Australia and throughout Asia. O’Connor is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Communication Arts & Sciences.
Tourism Fiji
Three new appointments have been made to the Tourism Fiji board. Truman Bradley has been appointed as the new chairman. Also appointed were tourism industry veteran Dixon Seeto and Howard Politini (Jnr). They bring the number of directors to eight. The other members are Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali, hoteliers Shane Cunning, Josephine Smith-Moffat and Geoffrey Shaw and marketing expert Lawrence Tikaram.
TIAC
Charlotte Bell has been appointed as president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) effective April 9, 2015. With more than 25 years of experience in regulatory, corporate and government affairs, Bell is a seasoned executive bringing a wealth of experience and proven track record of success leading regulatory change in the broadcast sector. As an experienced advisor and advocate, Charlotte spearheaded regulatory and public affairs strategies leading to successful acquisitions of major media properties and was pivotal in obtaining policy and regulatory reform in the broadcast industry by building strategic partnerships and alliances. She also more recently led corporate affairs strategies for Atlantic Lottery Corporation overseeing stakeholder and community relations as well as corporate reputation.
Wyndham Hotel Group
Wyndham Hotel Group has appointed Barry Goldstein as chief digital and distribution officer. In this position, Goldstein will be responsible for managing and optimising Wyndham Hotel Group’s digital assets and presence including its web and mobile sites, next generation mobile apps, online media, digital content, third party distribution and the company’s newly created hotel marketing services group that is focused on driving local property revenues and balanced distribution. In addition, he will lead the company’s sales technology strategy. He previously served as chief revenue officer at Dolce Hotels and Resorts, which was acquired by Wyndham Hotel Group in February 2015. Prior to joining Dolce Hotels and Resorts in November 2009, he served five years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide as vice president, global sales strategy, technology and operations.
Wyndham
Wyndham has appointed Nadeen Ayala as senior vice president – communications. Ayala will oversee and align all internal and external communication functions for the company and for its lodging business, Wyndham Hotel Group. In this role, she will be responsible for setting strategic direction, planning and implementing global public relations, internal communications and franchisee communications, while articulating the hospitality giant’s mission to its key stakeholders, including media, consumers, franchisees and employees.
Daydream Island Resort & Spa
Daydream Island Resort & Spa in the Whitsundays has appointed Emma Scarrott as regional sales manager. She will be responsible for driving regional sales for the resort and building relationships with key industry partners. Scarrott replaces previous regional sales manager Aimee Cameron who has been promoted to guest services anager at Daydream.