There’ve been some timely leadership appointments across the industry given that International Women’s Day is just around the corner. Check out our wrap-up of the latest movers and shakers below…

Ex-Cruiseco CEO sails into new role

Former Cruiseco CEO Amanda McClelland has found a new gig at Australia’s first-ever AI-powered cruise search engine, Cruisewatch.

McClelland has joined Cruisewatch as a project representative and contact person for Australia, according to a spokesperson for the company.

“She will strengthen our unique technology with local know-how,” the spokesperson said.

Windstar president steps down

After more than three-and-a-half years at the helm, Windstar Cruises president John Delaney has stepped back to focus on “personal priorities”.

Andrew Todd, who leads Windstar’s parent company, Xanterra Leisure Holding, will assume the role of CEO for the cruise line.

Additionally, Windstar’s vice president of fleet operations, Christopher Prelog, has been promoted to chief operating officer.

Fiji Airways appoints first female CFO

Fiji’s national carrier has announced the appointment of Naomi Vuibureta as chief financial officer.

Vuibureta is the first woman to be appointed to the CFO role at Fiji Airways, marking a major departure from previous appointments, all of whom were male expatriates.

In her new role, Vuibureta is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting activity for Fiji Airways, as the airline focuses on its conservative growth plans this year in light of business challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Naomi Vuibureta

Vuibureta joined Fiji Airways in January 2012 as its senior manager of financial planning and analysis, and quickly rose through the ranks holding positions as general manager of financial planning, analysis and business support as well as her most recent role as group financial controller.

She has over 15 years of accounting and management experience, having also worked for KPMG, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and Digicel.

Amtrak names new CEO and president

Rail industry player Amtrak has announced the appointment of William Flynn as its next CEO and president.

A seasoned business leader with four decades of transportation and logistics experience, Flynn will begin his role on 15 April 2020.

Most recently, he served 13 years as president, CEO and chairman of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, which serves the global air freight, military charter and passenger charter markets.

Flynn has also held senior roles with CSX Transportation, Sea-Land Services and GeoLogistics Corp.

He succeeds Richard Anderson, who joined Amtrak as CEO in July 2017, and will remain with the company until the end of the year as a senior advisor to Flynn.

Air Canada is bolsters Aussie sales team

Canada’s national carrier has added new members to its local sales team in Queensland and New South Wales.

Janis McDonald joins the airline as its Brisbane-based sales account manager, and Tracy Thomas has been appointed as Air Canada’s national corporate sales account manager, based in Sydney.

During her 17-year travel industry career, McDonald has played a key role in expanding the presence of several major international carriers in the Queensland market, including Etihad, Air New Zealand and, most recently, Hawaiian Airlines.

Thomas brings to the role almost 25 years of airline sales experience, having previously held key roles in Australia managing MICE, travel management companies and corporate business with some of the world’s leading carriers including Emirates, South African Airways and Air New Zealand.

Air Canada has also welcomed Demetri Laris as its newest sales support coordinator. Laris was previously a senior sales support agent at Qatar Airways.

Air Canada’s Sarah Constable and Fei Revel with new recruits Demetri Laris and Tracy Thomas

American Express GBT appoints chief revenue officer

American Express Global Business Travel has announced the promotion of Michael Qualantone to chief revenue officer, reporting directly to CEO Paul Abbott.

Qualantone most recently held the role of executive vice president of global supplier relations, leading both the supplier relations and meetings and events teams at American Express GBT.

CTM director retires

As part of Corporate Travel Management’s previously advised ongoing board renewal process, the company has announced the retirement of Admiral Robert J. Natter from its board.

The retirement of Natter follows the recent appointment of Jon Brett to CTM’s board.

Natter was appointed to the board in February 2014.

Airlink appoints The Walshe Group as GSA for Australia and NZ

Airlink has announced the appointment of The Walshe Group to be its GSA in Australia and New Zealand.

The company recently announced its decision to commence selling under its own ‘4Z’ flight code to enable it to develop its network on an independent basis, having previously operated under a franchise agreement with South African Airways (SAA) for many years.