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14 August, 2020

More appointments and departures, as ATG reveals new leadership team

APT Travel Group (ATG) has made further changes to its leadership team and structure company-wide in order to adapt to the current industry conditions and set up the business for future success.

ATG only announced a leadership shake-up last month, which resulted in the departure of chief commercial officer Debra Fox and the appointment of David Cox (pictured above) as CEO.

Today, ATG revealed that Cox and chief operating officer Lorna Heyward will be supported by a team of general managers across the business, each with specialist responsibility. The new GM positions have all been filled internally.

Scott Ellis has been appointed as ATG’s new general manager of sales, and working alongside him will be Karen Scharnbock in the role of GM of service.

On the marketing front, Vanesa Russack has been appointed GM of marketing and digital, with Paddy Scott and his team managing the retail marketing campaigns. These changes will mean the departure of Justine Lally from ATG.

Vanessa Russack

Other new roles announced today include the GM of product, filled by Mladen Vukic, who was formally the head of small ships and the Kimberley.

ATG also confirmed the UK will remain an important market for the group and will continue to be headed up by Paul Melinis.

Commenting on the restructure, Cox said, “Right-sizing the business is imperative now to ensure the company is in a strong position when we get to the other side of this pandemic.

“We are the leading tour and cruise operator in Australia, and have been for a long time, and these changes we are undertaking during this difficult time will enable us to continue on our 90-year plus journey.”

ATG has also confirmed the resignation of Susan Haberle after 13 years with the company.

Chris Hall, group managing director at parent company Australian Pacific Holdings (APH), said Haberle has been an integral member of the company’s leadership team and acknowledged her “significant contribution to the business and the amazing legacy she is leaving”.

“Suse’s passion, energy and enthusiasm has ensured that the ATG brands have been front and centre with all travel agents and across the industry,” he said.

“She has inspired and motivated her team year after year, and we are so thankful for her contribution.”

Hall added that the APH board was confident in the new leadership team put in place at ATG.

“At the same time, I’ll continue to support the ATG team, particularly in the area of trade partnerships,” he said.

“The expertise and experience we have sets us up to take us through these very challenging times and come out in a strong position.”

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APT Travel Group ATG David Cox Justine Lally Karen Scharnbock Lorna Heyward Mladen Vukic Paddy Scott Paul Melinis Scott Ellis susan haberle Vanesa Russack