The latest industry appointments

CAPTAIN IZHAM ISMAIL has been named as the new CEO of MASwings, Malaysia Airlines’ regional subsidiary. A former Malaysia Airlines pilot, Captain Izham is currently head of the national carrier’s operations programme management office, overseeing projects that form part of the airline’s turnaround plan.

STEVE ODELL has been named as the new chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia. A former Silversea executive, Odell currently serves as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ senior vice president & managing director for Asia Pacific. He replaces Gavin Smith at CLIA Australasia.

TONY CHISHOLM has become the new general manager of the Pullman Saigon Centre and area GM for South Vietnam. A New Zealand national, Chisholm has more than 20 years’ experience across the Asia Pacific region. This includes 12 years with AccorHotels in Australia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

GONZALO GIL LAVEDRA has become Khiri Travel’s new general manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Gil Lavedra first joined Khiri in 2013 and has worked as the company’s branch manager in Phuket and Bali. He was responsible for opening the Khiri Bali office and adding tours across Indonesia.

PEGGY BIANCO has become Travelport’s new vice president and head of hotel sourcing worldwide. Ms Bianco, who joins the company this month, has more than 25 years’ travel industry experience, and previously served as group vice president of global hotel services for Orbitz Worldwide.

CHRISTIAN WURM has been appointed general manager of the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and The Barai spa. His career started in the F&B sector, working as a chef for several restaurants, including a Michelin-starred establishment in Berlin. He has since gone on to work for Four Seasons, Raffles and at the Burj Al Arab.

THIERRY BEAU has become the new CEO of interTouch, the Singapore-based company that provides high-speed internet and IPTV services to the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific. Prior to joining interTouch, Beau was director of strategy for Hoist Locatel. He also previously co-founded Directstreams.

JUSTIN WILLIAMS has been appointed as SiteMinder’s new regional sales manager for Asia. A UK national, he joins the travel technology company from Travel + Leisure magazine, and has also previously worked for Travel Daily Media Group. He will continue to be based in Bangkok.

JOHN NEUTZ has become Banyan Tree’s new director of sales & marketing for Bangkok. With more than 20 years’ experience, Neutz has worked with companies including Shipfield Hotels, Stamford Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide. Most recently he was director of sales for Raffles in Cambodia.