Keen to see who has been moving and shaking across the travel industry? Dip into this week’s smorgasbord Flavour of the Week for the latest.

Qantas’ head of People, Culture and Corporate Affairs to retire

After 17 years with Qantas Group, Lesley Grant (pictured above), group executive of people, culture and corporate affairs, has issued her intent to retire at the end of this year.

In a letter to Qantas staff, Group CEO Alan Joyce said Grant had achieved a huge amount in her time at the company and would be greatly missed.

“As CEO of Qantas Loyalty, Lesley led its expansion from what was chiefly a frequent flyer program into a leading loyalty business, with new ventures in financial services and insurance,” Joyce said. “Over the five years Lesley ran it, Qantas Loyalty increased its earnings by over 60 per cent and grew its membership by 4 million.

Joyce also revealed Grant would not be replaced, with the functions currently under the responsibility of the group executive of people and culture to be streamlined into the group management committee (GMC).

“Though we use the word ‘retirement’, Lesley intends to continue her board commitments outside of Qantas and will no doubt continue to be very active pursuing her various interests.

“Please join me in wishing her the very best for the future,” he said.

Grant was appointed as group executive, people, culture and corporate affairs from 1 November 2017 and previously held the positions of chief executive officer, Qantas Loyalty from 2012 to 2017 and group executive customer and marketing.

Qantas has also announced the retirement of Richard Goodsman as a director of Qantas after serving 11 years on the board.

Goodmanson was appointed to the Qantas board in June 2008 and his retirement took effect on 25 October, following the conclusion of Qantas’ 2019 Annual General Meeting.

AWA wins VisitScotland account to promote ‘Year of Scotland’ in Australia

Independent communications agency Anne Wild & Associates (AWA) has been awarded the media relations account for VisitScotland, and will undertake promotion of the ‘Year of Scotland’ in Australia in 2020.

The Year of Scotland is a collaborative program of events promoting Scottish music, arts, and culture, and is a joint initiative between Showcase Scotland EXPO, Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government, and VisitScotland.

Evolution Travel Collective expands on-road sales team

Evolution Travel Collective (ETC) is excited to announce two business development managers, Matt Symonds and Chris Catanzariti, have joined its on-road sales team, effective immediately.

Symonds joins the business from Rail Europe, where he was employed as business development manager, while Catanzariti joins from American Airlines, where he was employed as national account manager.

Symonds will oversee operations in the ACT and Northern NSW, while Catanzariti will look after Southern NSW and South Australia.

Tourism Noosa announces boardroom shake-up

Tourism Noosa has announced new additions to the Tourism Noosa board following its annual general meeting held yesterday at RACV Noosa Resort.

Drew Pearson was re-appointed chair and Richard Stephens from Accom Noosa was appointed as deputy chair.

The board also welcomed new director James Kendall to the board, joining existing directors Dan Neylan, Darren McClenaghan, Elizabeth Reynolds, Erina Kilmore, Louise Formosa, Michelle Mason and Nick Heath.

Adventurer Alex Pancoe joins A&K voyage of Iceland & Greenland

Mountaineer Alex Pancoe has signed up to lead a series of extreme adventures on Abercrombie & Kent’s ‘Ultimate Iceland & Greenland’ expedition cruise in 2020.

Guests will explore with Pancoe as he shares stories from his many adventures and encourages guests to set their own goals and challenge themselves. He joins A&K’s expedition team of accomplished, real-life explorers, from award-winning scientists to habitat conservationists, historians and recipients of the prestigious Polar Medal.

A-Rosa appoints Birgit Eisbrenner as regional director ANZ

A-ROSA Flussschiff GmbH has appointed Birgit Eisbrenner to fill the new position of regional director Australia and New Zealand.

The company is aiming to increase its global reach, having established its first international sales office in the United Kingdom in early 2019.

Eisbrenner joins A-Rosa from her most recent position at CAPA – Centre of Aviation, where she was employed as director of business development Asia Pacific.

Louis T Collection appoints Tony Keane as GM at Quay Perth Hotel

One of Western Australia’s newest boutique hotels, Quay Perth, has a new general manager. Tony Keane joins the hotel’s management company, Louis T Collection, this month.

Keane steps into the role with an eye on developing the brand’s profile and leading the group’s first Australian property.

He brings with him more than 10 years of experience in hotel management, with his most recent role being hotel manager at Rendezvous Hotel Central Perth, where he managed the daily operations of the 103-key property since 2016.

Prior to that Keane was employed for three years as operations manager at Fraser Suites Perth.

Bhaya Cruises appoints Jerri Povibool as executive

Jerri Povibool has been appointed vice president of HG Hospitality, the parent company of Bhaya Cruises, Vietnam. In her role, Povibool will oversee sales and marketing in addition to operations.

Povibool joins HG Hospitality from An Lam Retreat, where she was employed as vice president of business development and marketing.

On joining Bhaya Cruises, Povibool said: “I am very grateful to have an opportunity to be a part of Bhaya Cruises, a company that has been providing unforgettable experiences to travellers on Ha Long Bay for over 12 years.

“We are looking forward to launching fresh, new products and services to welcome our guests in 2020.”