Günter Geske, a long-time manager for Thomas Cook Germany, has retired from the company. Actually, Geske, managing director yield and product for Central Europe, had retired from Thomas Cook once before, in February 2015, but was then taken back again by board chairman Christoph Debus in May 2015. Geske’s responsibilities in the field of yield & product are being taken over Stefanie Berk, managing director, Central and Eastern Europe. And, beginning May 1, the managing directors of the German subsidiaries Bucher Last Minute, Öger Tours and Tourvital report directly to Berk.
Brazilian operator Grupo Trend’s Shop Hotel, a B2B site for travel agents, has announced the appointment of Fernando Gimenez as its new general manager. Gimenez, who has been with company for three years, has served with several leading Brazilian companies in senior marketing positions.
Grupo Trend has also that Giovanna Lopes is new manager of its groups and events department. A veteran of nearly 20 years in the travel and tourism industry, Lopes will report to the company’s deputy director of national products, Ricardo Assalim.
WestJet has announced that Craig Maccubbin has been named executive vice-president and chief information officer. A 25-year tour and travel industry veteran, Craig has held a number of leadership positions, including chief information officer for organizations such as Spirit Airlines, LasVegas.com and Black Entertainment Television. Maccubbin will be based in Calgary.
The UK-based Greg Evans Consultancy has been appointed as the UK and Ireland sales and marketing office for small group adventure specialist Bindlestiff Tours, which is headquartered in Las Vegas. Bindlestiff Tours specializes in operating small group adventure tours in the American West with a focus on Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California, Pacific Northwest and Alaska.