Home » News » Flavour of the week: Hertz’s new president, Airbnb adds ex-COO to board, Topdeck’s fresh digital agency + MORE!

29 November, 2019

Flavour of the week: Hertz’s new president, Airbnb adds ex-COO to board, Topdeck’s fresh digital agency + MORE!

By Alexandra Coulton

Trying to work up the courage to ask your boss for that big promotion? Get inspired by these industry guns. Or, just have a few too many at knock-off drinks this arvo and ask them then.

Angela Brav appointed president of Hertz International

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. has just announced that Angela Brav has joined the company as president of Hertz’s International division.

Brav, a respected spokesperson for the travel industry, brings 25 years of executive experience with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in multiple operational and strategic roles in the U.S. and Europe. Most recently as CEO of IHG’s European Region, she led the successful turnaround of that business by elevating and leveraging brand, distribution, franchise and technology opportunities. She is based at the car rental company’s international headquarters near London, UK., and will report to Hertz President & CEO, Kathryn Marinello.

Belinda Johnson to join Airbnb’s board of directors

Airbnb announced today that Belinda Johnson will be appointed to the Airbnb board of directors and that Johnson has decided to step down from her role as chief operating officer. Johnson joined Airbnb in 2011 and has been integral to the growth of the Airbnb community into a global network of over 7 million listings on every continent except Antarctica.

Topdeck Travel appoints LAB to transform digital experience

Topdeck Travel has appointed LAB, part of the LAB Group of agencies, to revamp its digital platform with a new design and user experience.

The appointment follows a three-way competitive pitch.

Using its unique blend of psychology and consumer neuroscience, LAB will now partner with Topdeck to transform its digital experience, with the objective of increasing engagement and driving sales online.

The new digital platform will aim to build on the brand’s already well-established presence in Australia, as well as reaching growing markets, the UK and USA.

Kokomo Private Island appoints Louise Smythe as director of sales and marketing

Fiji’s most luxurious and exclusive island resort, Kokomo Private Island, announces the appointment of Louise Smythe as director of sales and marketing.

Prior to her commencement with Kokomo Private Island, Louise gained invaluable experience as direct of sales and marketing for the globally recognised brands; The Huka Retreats, The Dorchester, Dorchester Collection, The Robertson Group NZ and The Works London/America’s Cup.

Her breadth of experience across brands that embody the perfect union of privacy, luxury and world-class service in an inimitable setting, bolster her outstanding reputation in the luxury stays market. With her background and knowledge of luxury hospitality brands, Louise is a real win for Kokomo. And yet at the same time, a non-surprising addition given that Kokomo owner and Australian Property Developer Lang Walker has a knack for securing the best in category heads in each department across the island.

Phil Hancox joins Emporium Hotel South Bank as director of marketing and communications

Emporium Hotel South Bank has appointed marketing and communications specialist, Philip Hancox as director of marketing and communications.

With a solid marketing and advertising background in organisations including Ardent Leisure’s Theme Park Division, Flight Centre Travel Group and DDB advertising, Hancox will be responsible for the branding and marketing of Emporium Hotel South Bank as it passes its first year of operations.

With a passion for building strong consumer bands, in his first few months with the hotel, Hancox has successfully rolled out digital marketing strategies and implemented a series of B2B and B2C marketing tactics resulting in increased branding awareness and results across Q4 2019.

Livn appoints new head of customer success

Livn has announced the appointment of their first head of customer success, David Skinner. Livn is moving from being a product-based company to a service provider focused on customer success.

With over 20 years of experience in professional services, 10 of which have been focused on the travel industry, Skinner has worked for a diverse range of companies including Livn-integrated Traveltek, as well as Trailfinders, American Express, and MTV Europe.

As the head of customer success, Skinner will be responsible for innovating customer and technical solutions and optimising the onboarding of both tour operators and resellers. He will work closely with colleagues to raise Livn’s level of service to be more proactive and build solid relationships throughout the customer lifecycle.

Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan appoints Linkd Tourism as local representatives

Linkd Tourism has been appointed by Ishikawa Prefecture to provide seasonal PR representation in Australia and New Zealand, as growing numbers of visitors from Down Under have established Australasia as a desirable target market for the Japanese region.

Linkd Tourism will position Ishikawa Prefecture and its capital city, Kanazawa, as an opportunity to see the ‘real’ Japan year-round as part of an alternative Golden route between Tokyo and Kyoto, or as an add-on to a ski holiday in neighbouring Nagano Prefecture, utilising the efficient transport links available. This marks the first step into the Australasian market for the region.

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