In adapting to the current conditions and to set the business up for continued success, the APT Travel Group (ATG) has redefined its leadership team and structure company-wide. Announcing today, a new management line-up that will continue to provide a strong backbone and solid foundation for the future.
Executive leaders, David Cox as the APT Travel Group’s new CEO and Chief Operating Officer Lorna Heyward are well placed to take the Group through this stage and onto the next chapter and will be supported by a team of experienced General Managers across the business, each with specialist responsibility. The new GM positions, all filled internally, will report into the executive leaders.
Within the new structure the business has announced several roles servicing ATG’s retail trade partners including GM Sales, to be filled by Scott Ellis. Scott is well known within the industry and his exceptional leadership skills will allow him to continue to head-up the sales teams in Australia and New Zealand and maintain strong partnerships with ATG’s valued agent partners. Working alongside Scott will be Karen Scharnbock in the role of GM Service. Karen has been successfully leading the ATG Customer Service Centre for 9 years and many agents will know Karen and her team. On the marketing front, Vanesa Russack has been appointed GM Marketing and Digital, with Paddy Scott and his team managing the retail marketing campaigns. These changes will mean the departure of Justine Lally from the business.
Other roles announced today include GM Product filled by Mladen Vukic, formally Head of Small Ships and the Kimberley. The business also confirmed the UK will remain an important market for ATG and will continue to be headed up by Paul Melinis.
Commenting on the restructure, the group’s CEO, David Cox said, “Right sizing the business is imperative now to ensure the company is in a strong position when we get to the other side of this pandemic. We are the leading tour and cruise operator in Australia and have been for a long time and these changes we are undertaking during this difficult time will enable us to continue on our 90 year plus journey.”
With the new structure announced today, the business has also reported the resignation of Susan Haberle. “Sadly we confirm the resignation of Susan Haberle after 13 years with ATG. She has been an integral member of the company’s leadership team and we all acknowledge her significant contribution to the business and the amazing legacy she is leaving. Suse’s passion, energy and enthusiasm has ensured that the ATG brands have been front and centre with all travel agents and across the industry. She has inspired and motivated her team year after year and we are so thankful for her contribution.” said Chris Hall, Group Managing Director, APH (Australian Pacific Holdings).
Hall also added “Myself, Simon Jones our Chair, the Board and the McGeary family are very confident in the leadership of David and Lorna and the team we have put in place. At the same time, I’ll continue to support the ATG team particularly in the area of trade partnerships. The expertise and experience we have sets us up to take us through these very challenging times and come out in a strong position.”
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