US-based upmarket tour and cruise operator, Tauck, is beefing up its Australian presence, confirming the recent appointment of a Country Manager and two senior executives to its local arm.

Seasoned cruise and luxury hospitality industry executive Karl Muhlberger has been named as the new Chief Operating Officer of Crystal.

Nicole Costantin has been appointed as the General Manager of Travel Associates’ new brand and product platform, ASPIRE. Costantin, who has a strong history in the leisure, travel and tourism industry, will be responsible for developing, launching and managing a comprehensive range of curated luxury leisure products and client benefits under the newly-created ASPIRE brand.

Virgin Galactic has named Enrico Palermo as the aerospace company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. In this newly created role, Palermo will be responsible for helping maintain efficiency and peak performance across the enterprise as it develops as a public company, and will lead the execution of specific company strategies and initiatives.

The Boeing Company’s Chairman, David L. Calhoun, has this week assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, following the sudden resignation of Dennis A. Muilenburg in the wake of the 737 MAX fiasco.

Independent travel company Travel Counsellors has appointed its first ever Chief Operating Officer (COO). With 20+ years’ experience leading disruptive digital platform businesses, Mark O’Donoghue joins the home-based travel group from his former role of CEO for digital learning solutions provider AVADO Learning.

Marshall Lancaster has been appointed as Chief Information Officer for the professional services division supporting Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises Australia and Carnival Australia. In the role, Marshall will oversee the entire information technology portfolio for the four cruise brands.

Tourism Fiji has named Rob Thompson as its new Regional Manager to head up its Australian team, based in Sydney.

VisitDallas has appointed Craig Davis, the current President and CEO of VisitPittsburgh, as the Texan organisation’s new President and CEO.

Nanuku, Auberge Resorts Collection in Fiji has appointed Logan Miller as General Manager. The intimate resort welcomes Miller back to his country of origin to act as an industry and destination expert for the five-star resort.

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa has welcomed Lachlan Walker to its ranks as their newest member of staff. Lachlan takes on the position of General Manager at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, as well as Area General Manager of IHG’s hotels in the South Pacific, including Holiday Inn Suva and Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu.