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Melissa Harley/Sunwing Vacations

Sunwing Vacations has named Melissa Harley as the new business development manager for Central, Eastern, Northern Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Harley has travel industry experience including most recently as a transaction specialist cruise for TripArc and many years spent as a retail vacation planner. Harley joins the Sunwing Vacations sales team under the management of Dave Wright.

Her extensive knowledge will be a driving force in strengthening Sunwing’s partnerships with the travel advisor community in her territory. With such vast experience, she’s well-equipped to provide agents with the support they need in an industry with so many moving parts.

Kyle Sparkman/Allianz Global Assistance Canada

Kyle Sparkman has been appointed to the position of managing director and head of Allianz in Canada, effective Dec. 1. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry and has been an executive with Allianz for the past five years. Since joining Allianz in 2019, Sparkman has served as chief operating officer and chief sales officer. Known for his  customer and partner-focused approach, Sparkman has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing  operations with innovative, customer-focused applications, including modernized claims portals  and medical assistance systems.

Throughout the course of his career, Sparkman has been recognized as a dynamic leader with  proven expertise in building and executing business strategies that enable innovation, accelerate business growth and empower team members to reach their full potential. Previously, Sparkman held several leadership and transformation roles with increasing responsibility at Bank of Montreal. Sparkman succeeds Chris Van Kooten who departed the company in October.

Yuka Suzuki/Japan National Tourism Organization

Yuka Suzuki has been appointed the new executive director of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). With more than three decades of experience, Suzuki has dedicated much of her career to fostering stronger connections between Japan and Canada, making her uniquely qualified to promote Japan as a premier destination for both business and leisure travellers.

With a proven track record in developing and implementing successful destination marketing strategies, Suzuki deeply understands the Canadian market. Her previous roles with Destination British Columbia (Tokyo Office) and JTB (one of the largest travel agencies in Japan) have provided her with invaluable insights into the evolving Canadian travel landscape.

Joshua Knox/VoX International

VoX International has appointed Joshua Knox to the position of Account Manager, responsible for two accounts: Experience Kissimmee and Broadway Inbound. Knox will work closely with the Canadian travel trade on campaigns, training, marketing, business development and more.

With six years of experience leading a successful Vacation Rental Property Management Company in Mexico, where he managed 100 properties and a team of 30, he brings strong leadership and account management expertise to VoX. His previous role as a business development manager at WestJet Airlines equipped him with skills in client relations, partnership development, sales growth, and strategic marketing.

Michèle Croft/Celebrity Cruises Canada

Celebrity Cruises Canada has appointed Michèle Croft as its new Field Sales Manager – Eastern Ontario and Manitoba. Having grown up immersed in the world of cruising, with her father formerly working in the industry, her love for the brand is in her DNA. For the past decade, she’s been a key support to the Canadian sales team as their marketing manager and is excited to use her experience and brand knowledge to bring fresh growth to her accounts.

Katie Lepage/Celebrity Cruises Canada

Celebrity Cruises Canada has also appointed Katie Lepage to the role of Inside Sales Manager, who brings over 26 years of experience to the role. Lepage began her career in the tourism industry working for a high-end tour operator in Quebec City, specializing in learning travel. She then gained extensive experience traveling for the Quebec City Tourism Office for nearly a decade. She subsequently worked for a local cruise company Croisières AML. More recently, she held the position of business development manager at Groupe Voyages Québec.

Shane Dineen/WestJet Vacations

WestJet Vacations has appointed Shane Dineen as the new Vancouver-based business development manager. In his role, Dineen will be focused on further building and strengthening relationships with trade partners, developing new business opportunities, and providing product training and sales support. With a wealth of experience from his background as a travel advisor, Dineen’s position on the sales team reinforces WestJet Vacations’ commitment to supporting its valued trade partners across Canada.

David Gallie/Envoyage Canada

Envoyage Canada has appointed David Gallie to the role of member support leader. In this new role, Gallie will work closely with travel advisors and play a key role in driving innovation and success for its network. 

With a distinguished history of nearly 30 years in the travel industry, Gallie brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of how to support a thriving network of travel advisors. Gallie’s journey with Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) began at one of Eastern Canada’s earliest retail locations. He quickly rose to become the region’s first Retail Area Leader in 2000, kickstarting his leadership career. After five successful years in retail, he transitioned to the product side, excelling in roles across project management, contracting, wholesale leadership, and product marketing.

Julie Sareault/Transat

Julie Sareault has been named the new commercial director for Transat, replacing Nicole Bursey who is stepping down from her long-held post. Sareault will be responsible for overseeing Transat’s tour operator commercial efforts nationally. The changes come as Transat consolidates its commercial activities in an “effort to simplify and streamline” its sales activities. Sareault has held various positions with the company, including manager, national sales, and manager, sales Quebec and Ottawa.

Sean Hebert/Goway

Goway has appointed Sean Hebert to the role of VP of the Americas. The newly created position will see Hebert work directly with the travel trade, with a major focus on supporting the travel advisor community.

Hebert is no stranger to the travel industry, most recently as head of marketing partnerships at TourRadar, and he previously rose the ranks to regional vice president of sales at Kensington Tours.

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