Lisa Hopkins has been appointed the new Chief Executive of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ). CINZ Board Chair Tony Gardner says he is delighted to announce the appointment of Lisa Hopkins, who has held senior business events leadership positions in New Zealand and offshore for over a decade.

Sydney-based global tours and activities network Livn has appointed its first Head of Customer Success, David Skinner. Livn is moving from being a product-based company to a service provider focused on customer success. With over 20 years of experience in professional services, 10 of which have been focused on the travel industry, Skinner has worked for a diverse range of companies including Livn-integrated Traveltek, as well as Trailfinders, American Express, and MTV Europe.

Kokomo Private Island has announced the appointment of Louise Smythe as Director of Sales and Marketing. “I am very excited about the opportunity of being part of a dedicated team who is committed and passionate about telling the unique story of Kokomo Private Island,” said Smythe of her appointment, where she will be ensuring the full-service guest experience in the resort continues to be exceptional.

Starboard Cruise Services has named Stacy Shaw as the head of its newly formed Luxury Division. Shaw’s career spans the luxury, premium and contemporary segments of hotel and cruise with experience in startups, small boutique companies, and global industry-leading vacation and lifestyle brands. Her cruise experience includes 11 years at Royal Caribbean Cruises and two at Carnival Cruise Lines. Most recently, Shaw was Vice President of Sales & Business Development at Virgin Voyages, a position she held for two years.

Evolution Travel Collective has a new team member in its Queensland office, welcoming Nikki Woodward into their ranks. “Nikki has recently returned to Australia after a few years travelling the world, inclusive of working within the travel sector in the UK. We are really looking forward to having her as part of our growing team and seeing her depth of experience and knowledge in action to support agents in the Northern states,” said Pete Rawley, ETC’s CEO and founder.

Katey Matthews, Director of Hotels & Journeys of Distinction, has been appointed Australia and New Zealand sales and marketing representative for Luxury Travel Designers, Forth & Wonder.

Singita has appointed Inge Kotze as General Manager: Conservation. Kotze replaces Neil Midlane, former GM: Conservation Projects and Mark Witney, Singita’s former CEO: Conservation in the role. She will be overseeing the all-woman Conservation team, which is responsible for Singita’s Biodiversity and Sustainability initiatives, as well as its Community Partnership Programs.

WorldHotels has announced that Kristin Intress will be taking over as their new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Geoff Andrew who is stepping down to pursue other interests. Intress previously served as the company’s CEO, and played an instrumental role in building the brand as a leader in the independent hotel sector.”I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead WorldHotels again,” says Intress. “As CEO I will embrace the heritage and foundation of a market-leading organization. WorldHotels’ fundamental mission has not changed – our goal is to provide unique hotels for unique travellers navigating the global market.”

Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent has officially employed Chris Hall as its New Zealand Country Manager. A born and bred Kiwi, Chris has an intimate knowledge of his homeland, as well as an undeniable love for it, returning to Auckland after a number of years living in Japan where he operated his own walking and gourmet food tours in Kyoto.

Hilton has announced Shaizeen Contractor as Senior Commercial Director, Australasia. In the newly created role, Shaizeen will be responsible for leading commercial performance, driving and delivering commercial targets and growing market share in Australasia. She will support new openings and develop strong relationships with key commercial partners to further strengthen Hilton’s presence in the region.

Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) has appointed Duncan Bureau as Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution, who will report directly into the group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Robin Kamark. The role will be instrumental in driving the group’s commercial strategy globally. Bureau, a well-known and respected figure in the aviation industry, joins the airline with more than 25 years’ experience and most recently held the position of President at Air Canada Rouge, the low-cost subsidiary of Air Canada.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley General Manager James Wyndham has announced his resignation from the ultra-luxury Blue Mountains resort after four years in the role. Wyndham had been with One&Only’s parent company, Kerzner International, for a further four years.