Pull out the paper plates and chuck the kettle on, there’s going to be quite a few welcome parties and cakes coming up for the travel industry.

Helloworld Travel Limited announces Damian Sutton as Head of Retail Business Systems

Helloworld Travel Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Damian Sutton to the role Head of Retail Business Systems.

Damian joins Helloworld Travel Limited with over 15 years’ experience in leading high performing business systems and software delivery teams. His most recent role was as Chief Technology Officer at Excite Holidays and prior to that was Product Manager and Technical Lead at Wotif.com. Damian has more than 10 years’ experience building innovative technology solutions for the travel industry.

Hilton Announce Jane Lyons as GM for West Hotel Sydney

Hilton has announced Jane Lyons as General Manager for West Hotel Sydney, the first Curio Collection by Hilton™ Hotel in Australia.

The 182-room new-build hotel located at 65 Sussex St is expected to open in December 2017 and will be managed by Hilton on behalf of M&L Hospitality.

Jane returns to her home country of Australia following an eight-year hotel management career overseas; working for Langham Hotels & Resorts at their London and New York properties.

“We are extremely pleased to have Jane joining us as General Manager of West Hotel Sydney. Jane comes to us with a wealth of experience following her time with Langham Hotels & Resorts, and we look forward to her joining and progressing her career with Hilton,” said Sean Wooden, vice president, operations, Australasia.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Named ‘Aviation Executive of the Year’ by Industry Body CAPA

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, has been named the ‘Aviation Executive of the Year’ by the CAPA Centre for Aviation, an independent body that provides market intelligence and data to the global aviation industry. H.E. Mr. Al Baker received the award at the organisation’s glittering gala dinner, held this evening in Singapore as part of the CAPA Asia Summit 2017.

The prestigious award recognises H.E. Mr. Al Baker’s influence on the aviation industry, demonstrating outstanding strategic thinking and innovative direction in shepherding the growth of Qatar Airways’ business and the wider aviation industry as a whole.

Accor Vacation Club appoints new General Manager Hotel Operations

Accor Vacation Club has appointed Phil Reid to the position of General Manager Hotel Operations. In his new role, Phil will provide leadership to the Resort Services teams at Accor Vacation Club’s 23 properties located across Australia and New Zealand, and Indonesia.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Phil transitioned to Accor Vacation Club from AccorHotels, where he spent 18 years working in various positions and counties throughout Europe and South East Asia.

Most recently, Phil was General Manager at the Mercure Bali Legian Hotel, which he helped launch as a flagship for the destination in 2015.

Phil said, “After working for AccorHotels in Bali, I am excited to return to Australia and for the chance to work with Accor Vacation Club. The member experience is paramount for this style of organisation. As such I hope to harness my traditional hotel skills and innovate to deliver consistently high quality accommodation and holiday moments for our member base.”

Berjaya Hotels & Resorts appoints General Manager, Peter Neto for its two resorts on Redang Island

 Berjaya Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Neto as the new General Manager of The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort and Redang Island Resort in Redang Island, Malaysia. Prior to joining Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Peter was the General Manager of Cassia Cottage on Phu Quoc Island.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said, “Hospitality may well be one of the simplest industries one can take on as a career. Treat your guests as if they were your relatives visiting your own home. Ensure they have a comfortable bed, shower and are well fed. In relation to the team, those are your children; guide and support them through life!”

Integrated PR agency, Papermill Media, a new entrant on the AFR fast 100 at number 43

Integrated PR, activations, events and social media agency, Papermill Media is a new entrant on this year’s AFR Fast 100 list and the only PR agency to rank, at number 43.

The agency has achieved growth of 53.4 percent and a revenue of $1.91m, according to the Fast 100 list released today.

The agency, founded some seven years ago by the director, Ashleigh McInnes, in her spare bedroom with nothing but a laptop, tenacity and a passion for PR, has grown to become the integrated agency it is today. The Melbourne-based company employs 16 staff members and represents clients spanning the eastern seaboard of Australia and Asia.

Papermill Media has a background in property, architecture and design and has recently added a new consumer and lifestyle arm as the agency continues to diversify.