SM+i's Diane Alexander has accepted the role of president of SITE Canada for 2017. Alexander held the position of SITE Canada’s vice-president, Education in 2016 and assumed the role of president-elect at the beginning of this year, with plans to become president in 2018. Following the unexpected resignation of president Liz Akey, Alexander has moved into the position of president early. The … Read More about Alexander Named SITE Canada President
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has named a new director of sales and director of group sales as the property prepares to complete the final phase of a $140-million-dollar renovation, it was announced Jan. 23. Aaron Weegar has been appointed director of sales and will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day efforts of the resort’s sales team at … Read More about Walt Disney Resort Adds to Sales Team
TORONTO — Live event company Fifth Element Group has named Tanya Scagnol its new creative director, it was announced last month. Based out of Fifth Element’s head offices in Toronto, Scagnol has designed and produced for some top Toronto companies. In addition, she has held a number of senior roles in client acquisition/retention, marketing, product marketing and event management. Scagnol … Read More about Fifth Element Names New Creative Director
VANCOUVER — Rocky Mountaineer’s board chair John Furlong announced last month the appointments of Tristan Armstrong, Ashley Armstrong and Chelsea Armstrong to the company’s board. Tristan Armstrong currently serves as director of leasing for National Hospitality Group, spearheading the commercial asset strategy for the portfolio. Prior to this, over the past seven years, Tristan worked for … Read More about Rocky Mountaineer Appoints New Board Members
QUEBEC CITY — The Government of Québec confirmed the renewal of P.-Michel Bouchard as Québec City Convention Centre’s CEO, it was announced on Dec. 6. This will be Bouchard’s third term at the Convention Centre. He has been the venue’s CEO since 2007 and begins his new five-year term in February 2017. “This nomination is great news for the continued development of the Québec Region as a … Read More about Quebec City Convention Centre CEO Third Term
TORONTO — Mark Heubner has been named production manager at Freeman Audio Visual Canada’s Toronto office, it was announced Dec. 5 by Sam Ferranti, manager of event production for Southwestern region. “Mark has worked in the live events industry for over 20 years. As one of the best in our industry, he is an accomplished project manager with a vast experience in executing corporate events. Mark … Read More about Freeman Appoints New Production Manager
EDMONTON — The Shaw Conference Centre (SCC) has named Serge Belair executive chef, who will formally join the facility on Feb. 1, 2017, it was announced last month. Belair replaces executive chef Simon Smotkowicz, who will be leaving the venue in January 2017 after 28 years. Named 2012 Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation and one of Edmonton’s top 40 under 40 by Avenue … Read More about Shaw Conference Centre Names New Executive Chef
MONTREAL — David Connor joins Fairmont Hotels & Resorts as regional vice-president, Eastern Canada, effective Jan. 3, it was announced last month. To be based in Montreal, Connor will manage Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, currently undergoing a major renovation, and will oversee Fairmont's hotel portfolio in Quebec City, La Malbaie, Tremblant and Montebello, Que., and Ottawa. Connor … Read More about Fairmont Names New Regional VP, Eastern Canada
TORONTO — Richard Purcell has been named regional director, strategic partnerships, Western Canada, at Freeman Audio Visual Canada, it was announced Nov. 11. “In this role, Richard will develop new business partnerships for us with hotels, convention centres and alternative meeting venues,” said Steve Bury, senior vice-president, sales. Purcell’s mandate will cover British Columbia and Alberta … Read More about Freeman Names Richard Purcell to Regional Director Post
TORONTO — Speakers’ Spotlight has appointed Paul Terefenko to the newly created position of digital content producer. Terefenko arrives with a wealth of experience as a former journalist for outlets such as NOW magazine and The Grid, and spent four years as a marketing producer at the Lavin Agency. … Read More about Speakers’ Spotlight Appoints Digital Content Producer
CALGARY — WestJet Airlines Ltd. has named Barbara Munroe executive vice-president, corporate services and general counsel, it was announced Nov. 1. “I am delighted to add someone of Barb's calibre to WestJet's executive team,” said Gregg Saretsky, WestJet president and CEO. “She is a strong and engaging leader with more than 25 years of legal experience. Since joining WestJet in 2011, Barb has … Read More about WestJet Names Exec VP, Corporate Services
TORONTO — Canadian Society of Professional Event Planners (CanSPEP) has unveiled its 2016-2017 board of directors, it was announced last month. President: Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, CMP, CMM, Tap Resources. Past President: Bettyanne Sherrer, CMP, CMM, ProPlan Conferences & Events. Secretary/Treasurer: Patricia Pearson, CMP, CanPlan Event & Conference Services. Vice-President, … Read More about CanSPEP Announces New Board of Directors
ATLANTA — Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN) has selected veteran industry leader and consultant Rod Abraham as its executive director, it was announced Aug. 10. Abraham replaces Mike Vennerstrom, CMP, who, since January, served as interim executive director. Founded by Shawna Suckow in 2008, SPIN has quickly grown to 3,000-plus senior planner members who have at least 10 years’ … Read More about SPIN Names Rod Abraham Executive Director
TORONTO — Sheraton Centre Toronto’s executive chef Paul Paboudjian announced on July 28 the appointment of Alex Shterenberg as executive sous chef. In this position, he will be responsible for overseeing the culinary team, including sous and banquet chefs at the 1,372 room hotel in downtown Toronto. Most recently, Shterenberg held the position of executive chef at Sheraton Gateway Hotel in … Read More about Sheraton Toronto Names New Exec Sous Chef
THORNHILL, Ont. — Dragonfly Meeting Solutions Inc. has hired Bruce MacDonald as director of business development and strategic partnerships, it was announced July 18. MacDonald has over 10 years of experience working in senior positions with destination management companies such as JPdL Toronto and Host Destination Management. His international DMC and corporate network will serve Dragonfly … Read More about Dragonfly Names New Director, Bus. Development
HALIFAX — Erica Pellerin has joined Destination Halifax as director of marketing and communications. She brings more than 15 years of marketing experience, including five years as marketing director, communications, sponsorships and insights with Bell Aliant. "With a strategic mindset and a wealth of marketing expertise, Erica will be a valuable addition to the team," said Ross Jefferson, … Read More about Destination Halifax New Director, Marketing
TORONTO — Greg MacNeil has been named director of operations at Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Toronto International Airport, it was announced June 13. With more than 23 years in the hospitality industry that took him coast to coast across Canada and six years in the U.S., MacNeil will lead the Sheraton Gateway team in operational performance, driving the service culture and guest satisfaction … Read More about Greg MacNeil Joins Sheraton Gateway Toronto
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced appointments at two of its Canadian properties. Patrick Lamy has been named hotel manager at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montreal. Lamy brings a wealth of experience to his position, including teaching credentials from ITHQ/UQAM’s Hospitality Management Program. Paul Peddle joins the kitchens of The Fairmont Palliser, Calgary, as executive … Read More about Fairmont Announces Appointments at Two Canadian Properties
April 20, 2011 SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts has named David Philp senior vice-president, investment and portfolio management. Based in Vancouver, Philp will be instrumental in the implementation of the corporate strategic plan focused on the future growth of the company. Philp started his career in various operational roles with Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Since then, he has worked for a … Read More about David Philp Named Senior VP, Investment & Portfolio Management, at SilverBirch
