FCM Meetings & Events has chosen Victoria Deprez as its Business Leader for the UK and Ireland. She brings over 18 years of leadership experience in the meetings and events sector. Deprez previously worked for Microsoft-backed tech startup Leapwork, where she “drove client engagement and built scalable, high-impact strategies”. Her other senior roles span The Institute of Travel Management, Travelport, Event Travel Management and Navan.
Michael Rosseau has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB). The President and CEO of Air Canada succeeds CEO of United Scott Kirby, who held the post since 2020. In his new role, Rosseau will lead the two annual board meetings as the spokesperson. He will guide the strategic direction of Alliance, which consists of 25 global member airlines.
Travel Counsellors has appointed Jon Hardcastle as Business Performance Manager, a newly-created position that will see him spend time at both the Travel Counsellors support centre in Manchester and ‘on the road’ supporting the company’s top performing members. He has 30 years of experience in the leisure travel industry, as well as 15 years across luxury sales strategy and business development. Hardcastle previously worked at Marriott International, Elegant Resorts and ITC.
Karen Crick has been named Corporate Account Manager for Travel Counsellors for Business. She will be responsible for supporting the company’s top-performing corporate business owners, clients and agents. Crick has previously worked for CTM, GetThere and Radius Network.
Travalyst, the not-for-profit coalition of some of the biggest names in travel and technology, founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, has appointed Gianni Marostica as its new Chair of the Board. Marostica, who recently retired as Head of Global Business Development at Google – a partner of Travalyst – played a key role in getting flight emissions information into the hands of travellers globally.
Elena Black is the new Senior Vice President of Marketing for Rocco Forte Hotels. She has over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, as well as more than 13 years at Six Senses. In her new position, Black will aim to strengthen Rocco’s marketing initiatives and put forward strategies to elevate the brand’s presence and position in the market.
