New Appointments

STEVEN RICE has been appointed new CEO at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA). In his new role, he will oversee all areas pertaining to promotion and development of the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and its potential domestically and abroad. He will also ensure efforts directed to meet the authority’s aims of growing contribution of tourism to Ras Al Khaimah’s GDP to nine per cent and to establish the emirate as a premier affordable luxury and outdoor adventure destination.

ANDREW GIBSON has been appointed vice president – spas & wellness at FRHI Hotels & Resorts. Gibson will be responsible for development and execution of the company’s spa strategy, including defining and implementing spa standards globally across all of FRHI’s leading hotel and spa brands. He brings with him over 25 years of international hospitality experience in the fields of spa, wellness and leisure.

CAPTAIN YOHANNES HAILEMARIAM has been appointed vice-president flight operations at Ethiopian Airlines. He brings with him over 30 years experience with the airline. He joined Ethiopian in 1984, has served in various capacities, including director flying and training as well as Captain B777 and Check Airman before assuming his new position.

ANTHONY ROSS has been named as the Preferred Hotel Group’s new executive vice president for Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa. Bringing more than 25 years’ hospitality experience to the group, Ross most recently served as vice president of operations for Marco Polo Hotels.

LEW HARASYMIW has become the new director of connectivity solutions for TripAdvisor. In the new role, Harasymiw will oversee development of new direct connect solutions, such as TripConnect. He arrives at the company from Sabre Hospitality, where he served as director of interface solutions.