Transat Distribution Canada announces organizational changes

MONTREAL — A notice from Karine Gagnon, General Manager, Transat Distribution Canada offers a heads up about organizational changes within TDC.

“To align with our goals and with the objective of improving efficiency and synergies within our organization, I am announcing some changes to TDC’s current structure,” says Gagnon.

The news comes following the retirement of Susan Bowman, who was TDC’s VP, Marketing and Industry

People

Relations until her departure from the company in early April.

Anthony Mormina is promoted to Senior Director, Sales & Corporate Operations. In his new role, Mormina is responsible for leading and strengthening sales & operations for all TDC’s company owned and managed retail points of sale, pursuing the company’s objectives. This includes TDC’s Loyalty partners & Club Voyages Affaire division, Voyages Transat, and Transat Travel agencies across Canada, as well as the Agent@Home sector.

Colette Girard is promoted to Director, Franchise and Affiliate members. Girard has been managing relationships with TDC’s members in Québec for over 11 years, and Gagnon says Girard’s extensive experience as a leader in both travel retail and tour operating, as well as solid relationships established over time with TDC members, make her the ideal candidate. Girard will take on the director role, overseeing the same

Emirates appoints Country Manager in Canada

Emirates has appointed Shaz Peshimam as its Country Manager for Canada, in a new role following the airline’s plans to expand its operations in the country.

As Country Manager, Peshimam will be responsible for leading the airline’s operations, driving growth and strengthening Emirates’ footprint in the country.

Peshimam was previously Emirates’ Manager of UAE Sales, Dubai & Northern Emirates since 2008. In his new role, he will report to Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President-USA and Canada.

Sulaiman said:“ Canada is an important market for Emirates and [Peshimam’s] wealth of experience in sales will surely be an asset to us. With the recent enhancements in bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Canada, Emirates is pleased to revitalize its emphasis on Canada, as a crucial part of its growth strategy in the Americas.” territory, with the support of a manager, for which a recruitment process is underway.

Peshimam joined Emirates in 2006 as Sales Manager-Western India based in Mumbai. He was promoted in 2008, to his most recent role in UAE Sales, based in Emirates’ headquarters in Dubai.

Emirates has been operating to Canada since 2007 and provides daily passenger services to Toronto onboard its flagship A380 aircraft. From July, Emirates will introduce services to Montréal, with daily service utilizing a Boeing 777 aircraft. Emirates’ operations connect customers to more than 130 destinations via Dubai.

Gagnon adds: “As the team gradually transitions into their new roles, Anthony will continue to be involved with our members in the coming weeks, ensuring a smooth transition with Colette, until a new manager is nominated. I, myself, will oversee our corporate agencies operations in the interim.”

Meanwhile Sandra Wesson, Director, Product & Industry Relations, previously reporting to the marketing sector, now reports to Gagnon as a member of TDC’s leadership team. To support Wesson, a new role of Product & Industry Relations Specialist is created, and a recruitment process is under way.

And as previously announced, Marc Pelletier has joined TDC as Senior Director, Marketing, Communications and Events and will report to Gagnon. Pelletier is responsible for the development and implementation of the marketing strategy and programs for all TDC brands. He will also oversee communications as well as events. Marie-Annick Lalande, Senior Communications Advisor and Paul Savoie, Manager, Events, now report to Pelletier.

Kimberley Wood remains in her role of National Director, Franchises and Affiliates, and also continues to oversee the Network Support team.