Flavour of the Week: Hilton appoints new GM, management change at CTM, Tourism Solomons CEO’s new role + more

Here’s the latest movers and shakers in the travel industry. As in those who have new roles – not epic dance moves.

New cluster GM appointed for DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels in NT

Hilton has welcomed Todd Grierson (pictured above) as cluster general manager, with responsibility for the management of DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin and DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.

Grierson was previously the GM for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs. He brings with him 16 years of tenure with Hilton, having started his career as assistant restaurant manager at Hilton Cairns before working his way through to general manager.

Corporate Travel Management makes senior management change

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has announced that its global chief financial officer, Steve Fleming, will now focus directly on the company’s European operations.

Fleming has been deeply involved in transitioning the acquisition of UK company Redfern Travel into the CTM group, and will be based in London as CFO for Europe.

Consequently, CTM is searching for a new global CFO. Fleming will continue in his current role until the appointment is made, and will support the transition process for the successful candidate.

Tourism Solomons CEO joins Pacific Asia Travel Association board

The CEO of Tourism Solomons, Josefa “Jo” Tuamoto, has been invited to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) executive board, becoming the first Fijian to achieve the honour.

The move follows Tuamoto’s attendance at the PATA Annual Summit 2019 in the Philippines last week where, taking part in a leadership debate, he gave an impassioned presentation on the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal 8: ‘Sustainable economic growth and decent jobs for all’.

New Caledonia Tourism appoints MICE business development manager for Australia

New Caledonia Tourism has announced the appointment of Jackie Caldwell as its business development manager for MICE in Australia.

Effective immediately, Caldwell will oversee the growth of the destination’s MICE business within the domestic market.

Caldwell steps into the role with more than 30 years’ experience in the business events industry in Australia.

She commenced her career as a conference and event coordinator in Sydney with ICMS Australasia, before taking on high-profile roles at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Michael Johnson takes the reigns at Tourism Accommodation Australia

Respected tourism industry hotelier Michael Johnson has formally taken up the reins at the accommodation sector’s peak body, Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).

The former general manager of the PARKROYAL Parramatta, and a previous NSW board member of TAA was appointed CEO of TAA nationally and for NSW in March.

Johnson officially started in his new role on Monday, saying 2019 marked a “new era” for TAA, which also has new multi-million-dollar top floor offices in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

Divine Destinations appoints Victorian sales manager

Divine Destinations has announced the appointment of Emily Williams as its sales manager for Victoria.

Williams’ travel career began at Thai Airways International in 1995. She then became a retail travel agent for Destination HQ for nearly 20 years, where she was co-director for the last five years. In 2017, she left and became the distributor for Genesys Marketing in Australia.

Ben Johnson named sales and marketing director of the year at global Outrigger awards

Ben Johnson has been named ‘2018 Director of the Year – Sales and Marketing’ at the Outrigger Hospitality Group’s ‘The Outrigger Way’ annual awards ceremony held in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The global awards recognise significant contributions to Outrigger’s success in the past year, along with dedication and commitment to living the company’s values.

Well-known for his signature beard, unique sense of humour and his infectious laugh, Johnson joined Outrigger as area director of sales and marketing for Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island in November 2015.