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Isabel Martin-Benitez/Tourist Office of Spain

Isabel Martin-Benitez has taken on the role of director with the Tourist Office of Spain in Canada. Martin-Benitez has relocated from Madrid to Toronto to take on the post. Martin-Benitez previously served as the director of the tourism office in Poland and held the position of deputy director of management at Turespaña in Madrid, the Spanish institution responsible for the promotion of Spain as a tourist destination in the world. 

With experience in tourism promotion, marketing and management, her main goal in Canada is to promote Spain as a sustainable destination. She will try to find the better ways to show to the Canadian parts of Spain that are still unknown to them, highlighting its rich culture, nature, and gastronomy.

Jacqui McGillivray/WestJet

The WestJet Group has announced Jacqui McGillivray as its Executive Vice-President and Chief People Officer. With more than 30 years of demonstrated experience transforming global organizations, McGillivray will replace Angela Avery, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

McGillivray’s prior roles include, Executive Vice-President, Safety and Organization Effectiveness at Cenovus Energy, Head of Global Human Resources at Talisman Energy, and Vice-President, HR, Brand & Marketing for the Global Wealth Management division of RBC Royal Bank.

Steve Smotrys/HX

Steve Smotrys will take up the new role of Managing Director & Senior Vice President of Commercial for HX in The Americas. Smotrys, a respected figure in cruise and travel industry brings decades of experience and a proven track record in driving commercial sales and fostering strong partnerships. As MD & SVP of Commercial, Smotrys will spearhead the development and execution of the ongoing strategy aimed at expanding trade sales across the United States and Canada.
 
In his new leadership role, Smotrys will oversee all aspects of HX’s commercial and sales offerings and relationships, leading a strong team of business development managers across the USA and Canada. Smotrys will report directly to Alex Delamere-White, Chief Commercial Officer for HX at will start mid-October.

Heather Gerrard/Sunwing Vacations

Heather Gerrard has a new role with the Sunwing Vacations Sales Team as Business Development Manager for Alberta and the Prairie provinces. Gerrard comes from Sunwing Vacations’ Inventory department, and previously worked at Signature Vacations in the Call Centre before moving to the Operations team. On Oct. 1, Gerrard migrated to the Sales Team under the management of Graeme Franklin.

Beth McMahon/HAC

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has appointed Beth McMahon, MES, as its new President & CEO. An award-winning association leader, McMahon brings extensive experience to the role and is poised to lead the HAC into an exciting new chapter of growth and advocacy success. McMahon has been a transformative leader in association management for over twenty years. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Institute of Planners, growing its membership by over forty percent and substantially expanding its position with government and key partners. Prior to that, McMahon held the position of Vice President, Government and Public Relations, for the Canadian Vintners Association (now Wine Growers Canada).

Francine Allen/Couples Resorts

Francine Allen is the new Director of Sales, Canada for Couples Resorts. Allen will spearhead sales efforts and strengthen relationships with key partners in the Canadian market across Couples Resorts’ four iconic properties—Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away, and Couples Negril.

Bringing over 17 years of relevant experience, Francine joins the resort team from Venturo Hospitality Group in the UK, where she was integral in leading global marketing strategies and brand management. Her career also includes impactful roles at Air Canada, as well as marketing, sales, and hotel operations at Sandals Resorts and Unique Vacations.



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