HODGE PODGE: Shifts, Shakeups and Occasional Shaftings in the Tour and Travel Industry

Paul Scurrah has been named the new chief executive of Virgin Australia following an eight-month long search. He will replace John Borghetti, who will be stepping down from his role on March 25 after eight years of leading the carrier. Scurrah is currently non-executive director of Gold Coast Football Club and has previously held board positions at Australia Post, Asian Terminals Inc, Australian Federation of Travel Agents, AOT Group, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse LTD and public transport group – Australian Railway Association.

Lisa Cannavacciuolo has joined the B2B sales team of the French tour operator La Française des Circuits—it sells USA product among its offerings. As a Southeast Trade Commissioner, she will meet with travel agents in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur and Corsica regions. Cannavacciuolo comes to the new position with more than His 10 years of professional experience in tourism sector.

Matthew Lepisto has joined TBO Holidays as country manager for USA. Previously, he was vice president of sales, USA & Canada, for WebBeds America, Middle East & Africa. And prior to that, he was regional head of sales, USA & Canada for JacTravel.

Chris Compton recently left his position as general manager of Gray Line of San Francisco, San Jose & Monterey and established his own consulting firm, specializing in the transportation and tourism industries. Compton had been with Gray Line for more than two years. Previously, he was executive director of the Woodward (Okla.) CVB and a regional director for Big Bus Tours.