There’s a ton of industry movers and shakers this week, folks. And if this doesn’t make you motivated to do better, join the rest of us asleep at our desks.

AAT Kings appoints new Head of Sales

Leading domestic travel operator, AAT Kings, has appointed a new head of sales – Jasna Stevanja, to commence October 29, 2018.

Having spent eight years at Flight Centre Group as an area leader in both Perth and Sydney and also worked as head of sales and distribution at Creative Holidays, Stevanja brings wide-ranging experience to the group. Most recently, she was employed as general and operations manager at leading online retailer Stylerunner.

Stevanja replaces veteran to the brand, David Gendle – who, after an outstanding 27 years with The Travel Corporation, is moving on to a new chapter in his career. Gendle was integral to the brand’s results and strong position within the industry.

Chris Fundell promoted to director of marketing for Globus family of brands

Globus family of brands managing director Gai Tyrrell has today announced the promotion of Chris Fundell to director of marketing for Globus family of brands, Australia.

For the past three years, Fundell held the role of national marketing manager and has been responsible for the Globus, Cosmos, Avalon Waterways and Monograms brands.

Fundell joined Globus family of brands in 2015 with more than 20 years’ marketing experience in the travel and leisure sectors, both in Australia and the United Kingdom.

New appointments to lead Yankee Leisure Group

North American rail travel giant, Yankee Leisure Group, announced its set up of Australian operations and launch of Amtrak Vacations and Railbookers brands to the market last week and have formally appointed Narelle Ross as head of sales & marketing.

Overseeing operations of the new Sydney office and call centre, Narelle Ross will also be charged with developing a high performing sales, service and marketing team; strategic business development and educating industry and consumers about the extensive opportunities in rail travel.

Ross previously held a regional marketing role with the British Consulate-General; a Los Angeles based role in industry relations with Tourism Australia and a national sales role with Contiki Holidays based in Canada.

MTA appoints Amber Smith to BDM – QLD, NT and Northern NSW role

MTA – Mobile Travel Agents has appointed Amber Smith as its new business development manager with responsibility for Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern New South Wales.

Smith is well versed in the home-based agency model having spent the last eight years heading up MTA’s head office-based assistance team. Her industry experience prior to joining MTA includes stints with several retail travel agencies and a Bali resort specialist.

Announcing the appointment, MTA CEO, Don Beattie said Smith’s key focus will be to assist consultants and agents looking to take that first step into the home-based model and of course, existing MTA Members by supporting them to achieve their individual business objectives.

Amadeus reinforces Airport IT leadership team in APAC with two senior appointments

The airport business continues to experience rapid and disruptive change and to keep its commitment to support its growth and evolution, Amadeus has announced the promotion of Sarah Samuel to head of Airport IT, Asia Pacific and the appointment of Sunil Ankalgi to head of sales and account management for Airport IT, Asia Pacific.

Samuel previously held the role of head of sales and account management, Asia Pacific. In her new position, Samuel will be responsible for growing the Airport IT business in the region, overseeing sales, solution design, delivery, operations, and all commercial aspects of the airport unit within Amadeus. Based in Singapore, her role will ensure that airports, airlines and ground handlers can be successful with Amadeus’ solutions. She will report to the head of Airport IT, John Jarrell.

Prior to joining Amadeus, Ankalgi was a senior commercial manager, Airport Services, APAC at SITA INC APAC. In his new role, he will be responsible for selling and managing customer relations in the APAC region. Supported by the team of product, technical, delivery, and operations experts within Amadeus’ airport unit, he has been tasked with creating long-term partnerships with Amadeus’ airport, ground handler and airline customers within the APAC region. Ankalgi will report to Sarah Samuel.

Yankee Leisure Group appoints non-executive director

North American rail travel giant, Yankee Leisure Group, have formally appointed Tammy Marshall as independent non-executive director.

Respected industry expert Tammy Marshall will assume the role of independent non-executive director and joins the Board, who together will contribute to the development of strategy, ensure the Yankee Group grows responsibly and delivers great experiences for their customers and their teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Marshall said: “It is a privilege to join the Yankee Leisure Group Board, I am looking forward to collaborating with the rest of the team to ensure we deliver strong corporate governance and provide guidance and support to Narelle and the Australian team to achieve the same success that Yankee Leisure Group have achieved in the UK and North America”.

Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services bolsters Sydney team

Asia Pacific Travel Marketing Services (APTMS), well known for sales and marketing representation in Australia and New Zealand, is expanding its team with the addition of Emma Kim as account manager (DMCs) and Polly Simmons as PR manager, creating a larger presence in Sydney.

Following the acquisition of several new clients this year, including Colorado Tourism Office, Creative Travel and LA City Tours, the Queensland-based tourism sales and representation firm has made these staff appointments during a successful growth period, with the geographical expansion in order to maximise opportunities on the ground in the travel trade and media hub of Sydney.

Emma Kim will head the DMC division of the business, representing Creative Travel, India’s largest independent and family-owned destination management company, and Premium Incoming, specialising in travel to Europe for both corporate and leisure clients. Kim brings a wealth of expertise to the role, having managed the Fine Hotels & Resorts programme for Platinum card members of American Express; led the marketing for InterContinental Sydney and more recently in marketing, communications and sales for Luxperience.

A new PR function will be led by PR manager, Polly Simmons. Simmons has joined the company from London-based travel representation agency, Black Diamond, in which she represented several tourism boards and products, including Big Bus Tours, Brand USA, Colorado Tourism Office, Tourism Whistler and a number of California CVBs. She will work alongside managing director, Kylee Kay, and affiliated PR firms, to promote APTMS and its client base to media contacts and aspiring travellers across Australia and New Zealand.