Fiji Airways has announced several appointments across its sales and marketing and commercial leadership teams, including former Globus executive Gai Tyrrell.
Managing director and CEO Paul Scurrah said the appointments reflect the airline’s investment focus on strengthening capability across its most important markets.
“Building on our current strength, we are reinforcing leadership across our key markets and commercial functions,” Scurrah said. “These appointments position us to deepen trade partnerships, optimise our network and deliver sustained growth.”
Regional director – Australia and New Zealand
Gai Tyrrell commences as Regional Director – Australia and New Zealand leading Fiji Airways’ sales organisation across its largest and most strategically important markets.
Tyrrell brings extensive senior leadership experience across the Asia Pacific aviation, travel and technology sectors. She has held CEO and executive roles including managing director Asia Pacific for the Globus family of brands, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand for Hawaiian Airlines, and Vice President & CEO Australia and New Zealand for Sabre Pacific.
Australia and New Zealand remain core markets for Fiji Airways, and Tyrrell’s appointment further strengthens the airline’s trade partnerships and commercial growth strategy across the region
Regional general manager – Pacific Islands
John Nickel transitions into the role of regional general manager – Pacific Islands from 1 April.
The Pacific Islands portfolio is strategically important for Fiji Airways, supporting tourism, trade and regional connectivity. Nickel’s experience and stakeholder engagement expertise position him strongly to lead this important market and drive continued growth.
The expanded leadership structure reinforces Fiji Airways’ commercial leadership capability as the airline positions itself for its next phase of growth. The airline continues to prioritise disciplined network development, commercial optimisation and strategic expansion across Australia, New Zealand, North America and the Pacific Islands and its broader international network.
“Gai and John both bring strong market knowledge and leadership experience,” Fiji Airways chief sales and marketing officer Kamal Haer said. “Together, they will play an important role in driving our sales and marketing strategy, strengthening trade partnerships and accelerating growth across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.”
Chief – Network, Revenue and Alliances
Fiji Airways has also appointed Russell Shaw as chief – Network, Revenue and Alliances.
Shaw brings more than 20 years’ of commercial and financial experience, with expertise spanning pricing and revenue management, network planning, alliances and distribution strategy. He has previously held senior commercial leadership roles with Virgin Australia, Civica and Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA).
In this role, Shaw will oversee network optimisation, revenue performance and strategic alliance partnerships, supporting Fiji Airways’ continued expansion and alliance development.
