New roles for the industry’s movers and shakers
Motiongate, Dubai
Motiongate Dubai, part of Dubai Parks and Resorts, has announced the appointment of John Hallenbeck as the general manager, overseeing all aspects of the Hollywood-inspired theme park’s day-to-day operations. Originally from the US, Hallenbeck brings over 25 years of experience in theme park operations to his new role, having worked with Universal Studios theme parks worldwide. He has served as senior vice president of attractions at Universal Studios Singapore and Marine Life Park, director of attractions operations at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and various operations and management roles with Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Japan.
Gold Coast Tour Alliance
Gold Coast Tour Alliance (GCTA) has recently appointed a full time in-market trade liaison representative, Aparna Anand. Anand is Mumbai based, but will also be travelling across the country with the brand’s partners. She comes to GCTA, bringing over seven years of experience in marketing and public relations. She has serviced various international luxury and lifestyle brands spanning across India, the UK, and Middle East. With expertise in identifying new markets, marketing communications and PR, she will be leading the group’s core sales and marketing initiatives for India.
Shangri-La International Management
Shangri-La International Management announced the appointment of Vivek Braganza as the director of business development, India. In his new role, Braganza will be responsible for developing business opportunities from India to Shangri-La hotels across the world. His last assignment was as the director of sales and marketing, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. Braganza has over 13 years of hospitality experience in sales and marketing, and revenue management. Prior to joining Shangri-La, he has worked in property-based and regional roles with Starwood, Marriott and Taj.
Tourism Malaysia
Tourism Malaysia has announced the appointment of Sulaiman Suip as the new director, North and East India operations. Under this role, Suip will spearhead Tourism Malaysia’s marketing and publicity efforts from the New Delhi office to continue focus on bringing innovative products and promoting unique experiences to the Indian travel community. Previously, Suip held similar positions in Thailand as deputy director at TM Japan office.
Travelport Japan
Osamu Tokairin has joined Travelport Japan as managing director. A well-known leader in the Japan travel industry, Tokairin has over 25 years of experience working for both regional and global travel companies. Prior to joining Travelport, he has held various senior level management positions such as CEO of Kuoni Japan, managing director for Gulliver’s Travel Agency Japan, and general manager of Toptour Corporation’s office in Los Angeles.
Kerzner International Holdings
Kerzner International Holdings (KIH), international developer and operator of destination resorts, ultra-luxury hotels and residences, has appointed Jean-Gabriel Pérès as its new president and CEO. As the outgoing CEO of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Pérès has overseen the daily operations of the 16,000 staff hotel management company for 17 years. His role was instrumental in driving the global expansion of the company into Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
United Airlines
Scott Kirby has been appointed as the president of United Airlines. In this newly created role, Kirby will assume responsibility for United Airlines’ operations, marketing, sales, alliances, network planning and revenue management. Kirby will report to Oscar Munoz, United’s CEO. Kirby joins United from American Airlines, where he held the title of president since the merger of American and US Airways in 2013. He is a well-known industry veteran, with a three-decade airline career with senior leadership roles at America West and US Airways, where he was named president in 2006.
Marco Polo Hotels
Marco Polo Hotels has promoted Thomas Salg to general manager of its three Hong Kong properties: Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Prince Hotel and Gateway Hotel. Salg has been in the hotel industry for more than 20 years, spanning eight countries and three different continents within that time. His most recent position was as the general manager of Marco Polo Shenzhen, where he achieved growth in financial performance, guest satisfaction and associate engagement year-on-year since joining in 2013. Salg himself also received the 2015 Best General Manager in China and Best Employer in China awards.
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises has appointed Amber Wilson as the general manager for Asia Pacific. Based in Silversea’s Sydney office, Wilson will be responsible for the Asia Pacific markets, revenue and the direction of sales and marketing management with the Sydney and Singapore teams reporting directly to her. With over 17 years of experience in the travel and cruise industries and commercial background, Wilson has worked across a range of senior management roles in Australia and the UK. Wilson’s previous cruise experience includes Star Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, where she rose from sales co-ordinator to MICE sales manager.