Dusit executive appointed President of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association
Equiom strengthens Employee Retirement & Reward Services with two senior appointments
Volkswagen Financial Services Korea appoints Jussi Lehtimaeki as new CEO
Embraer Appoints Patrick Peng Managing Director and Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Commercial Aviation, China
Black Box Appoints Jai Venkat as Chief Revenue Officer Americas
PDI Technologies Presents “The Retail Marketeers European Female Leaders in Convenience Awards”
EAW Hires Mark Posgay as VP of Global Sales
DPA Microphones Adds to Sales and Marketing Teams
Prince Albert II of Monaco, Apollo 15 Commander David Scott and astronaut Jean-François Clervoy visiting Venturi Space
James Oliver Joins ACT Entertainment as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
-
Zoom Appoints Michelle Chang as Chief Financial Officer
Zoom Video Communications (NASDAQ: ZM), today announced that Michelle Chang has been appointed as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 7, 2024. Chang brings more than 25 years of experience in financial leadership roles, most recently serving as Corporate Vice President and CFO of Microsoft’s Commercial Sales & Partner Organization. Reporting directly to Zoom’s founder and CEO Eric S. Yuan, Chang will be responsible for overseeing Zoom’s financial strategy, and will lead the global finance organization, including investor relations, tax, accounting and FP&A. Chang will succeed Kelly Steckelberg, who as previously announced, will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until the announcement of financial results for Zoom’s third fiscal quarter ending October 31, 2024. "We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to Zoom as we continue to drive innovation, growth and value creation across our platform, especially as we advance our Zoom 2.0 vision and AI-first work platform strategy," said Yuan. "Michelle is a results and values-driven leader with a strong track record of overseeing and implementing growth initiatives while developing and engaging talent across functions." “I’m excited to join Zoom as the company executes on its mission to deliver customer happiness by providing an innovative platform that enables the future of workplace communications and collaboration,” said Chang. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with the entire Zoom team to help support customers, as well as drive long-term growth and shareholder value." About Michelle Chang Michelle Chang brings over 25 years of extensive leadership and finance experience to Zoom. Most recently, she was Corporate Vice President and CFO of Microsoft Commercial Sales & Partner Organization. Prior to that, she served in numerous leadership positions at Microsoft, including Corporate Vice President and CFO of Modern Workplace (including Office and Teams) & Cyber Security, among others. Her prior experience creating strong teams and collaborative partnerships across engineering and go-to-market illustrates the critical strategic value creation she will bring to Zoom. Chang started her career as an Audit & Consulting Senior at Arthur Andersen. She has a B.A. in Accounting from The University of Washington and is a Board Member of Kindering. About Zoom Zoom’s mission is to provide one platform that delivers limitless human connection. Reimagine teamwork with Zoom Workplace — Zoom’s open collaboration platform with AI Companion that empowers teams to be more productive. Together with Zoom Workplace, Zoom’s Business Services for sales, marketing, and customer care teams, including Zoom Contact Center, strengthen customer relationships throughout the customer lifecycle. Founded in 2011, Zoom is publicly traded (NASDAQ:ZM) and headquartered in San Jose, California. Get more information at zoom.com
-
Siemens appoints Susanne Seitz as CEO of Buildings Business Unit to drive growth and sustainability
Siemens has appointed Susanne Seitz as CEO of the Buildings Business Unit, which is part of Smart Infrastructure. The unit is a newly formed business unit which brings together all Siemens’ buildings-related businesses into one entity, effective October 1, 2024. With a combined portfolio of products, software and services, the Buildings Business Unit is a technology partner for digital transformation, focused on reliable and cost-efficient building operations, decarbonization and energy efficiency, as well as successful business operations for customers across wide-ranging industries. “Making existing and new buildings more sustainable has never been more urgent. After all, buildings generate more than 40 percent of annual global CO2 emissions and we have a responsibility to drive their decarbonization,” said Matthias Rebellius, managing board member and CEO of Smart Infrastructure. “Smarter buildings bring value to their owners, users, operators and to the world around them. I am confident in the newly-formed leadership team. Together with the combined expertise of almost 30,000 people globally, we can take our leadership position in the buildings market to the next level and pave the way to smart buildings of the future.” The Buildings Business Unit works with customers and with an expanding ecosystem of partners across more than 60 countries and in key industries, including healthcare, data centers, higher education, commercial real estate, pharmaceutical and life science, and food and beverage. The business unit’s portfolio includes products for building control, fire safety and security, automation and operation, data-driven services, decarbonization programs and software, including Building X, Siemens’ scalable digital building platform to digitalize, manage and optimize building operations. “I am excited to have the opportunity to grow this dynamic business. With innovative technology we can accelerate the transformation of buildings to make them smarter, self-adaptive and more autonomous, harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence, IT/OT convergence and digital services. This supports our customers in reducing their emissions and costs while improving user experience in buildings,” said Seitz. Based in Zug, Switzerland, Seitz previously served as the Head of Sales and Marketing at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, leading the transformation towards digital sales and marketing globally. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President EMEA at Landis+ Gyr and Member of the Group Executive Management. For some 16 years preceding this, Seitz held different positions at Siemens, including Head of Strategy and M&A, Head of Security, Vice President for the global buildings systems and solutions business. She is a Swiss native and holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Technology from ETH Zurich and an Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen.
-
Lufthansa Group appoints Felipe Bonifatti as Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East
With an aviation career that spans more than three decades, Lufthansa Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Felipe Bonifatti as Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East. Based in the Lufthansa Group regional headquarters of Singapore, Felipe will lead all commercial activities, including Joint Venture sales, in the Asia Pacific region from November 1, 2024. Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, Felipe Bonifatti is a dual national of both Argentina and Spain. A graduate of the German school in Mar del Plata, Felipe holds both a bachelor’s degree as well as a law degree from the National University. Felipe also holds a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Belgrano in Argentina. Felipe’s career in aviation began in 1992, and he has held various senior positions with Lufthansa Group across Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean. Appointed General Manager Equatorial Guinea & Sao Tome and Principe, Felipe was subsequently promoted to General Manager Colombia, Ecuador & Peru where he was awarded with the prestigious Order of Alexander von Humboldt by the Colombian Parliament. As the youngest executive of the Lufthansa Aviation Group in Latin America, Felipe Bonifatti was subsequently appointed General Manager Central America & the Caribbean where he successfully opened Lufthansa Groups’ first operation in Central America. During this time Felipe spearheaded the Group's expansion into the Caribbean region, including pioneering operations of Group airlines including Austrian Airlines, Eurowings and Edelweiss. Further promotions led to Felipe assuming the positions of Senior Director, Head of Sales Mexico, Central America & Caribbean, as well as his current position of Senior Director South America & Caribbean, in Sao Paolo, Brazil. According to Frank Naeve, Senior Vice President Sales & Distribution: Felipe Bonifatti brings a wealth of experience to the role of Lufthansa Group Vice President Asia Pacific & Joint Ventures East, and I am personally very excited to have him on board. As one of our most senior executives in the Americas I am confident he will deliver on our ambitious growth plans for the Asia Pacific region Felipe Bonifatti speaks German, English, Portuguese & Spanish, is married with two children and very much looks forward to growing the Lufthansa Group footprint in the dynamic Asia Pacific region.
-
Mathias Busse Appointed as New CEO of Porsche Korea
Mathias Busse, currently Senior Director for the German market at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, will assume the position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO, Representative Director) of Porsche Korea, starting from 1st October 2024. Mathias Busse, the newly appointed CEO of Porsche Korea, is a seasoned sales and management expert with diverse international experience in the automotive industry for over 25 years, having served as CEO of Porsche Taiwan Motors Ltd. and Porsche Retail Hamburg GmbH. Since early 2022, he has held the position of Senior Director for the German market at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing said, “We are grateful to have Mathias Busse for the Korean market, as he has already proven his outstanding leadership and international experience for overseeing the world’s largest market for VW commercial vehicle group. With his deep understanding of the specific dynamics of the Asian market, we expect him to further strengthen the presence of the Porsche brand in the Korean market.” He also added, “At the same time, we would like to thank Holger Gerrmann for his great work in growing the Porsche Business in Korea over the past five years.” Holger Gerrmann, the current CEO of Porsche Korea, will take on a new role as the CEO of Porsche Schweiz AG (Porsche Switzerland AG) starting in October. Since his appointment in 2019, he has successfully launched the brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the Taycan, in the market. During his tenure, Porsche Korea has achieved significant growth by more than doubling its sales volume, expanded its network by opening new Service Centres, Porsche Studios, and Porsche NOW, a pop-up store, thereby strengthening Porsche’s distinctive sports car brand image in Korea. In addition, he was elected as the German Chairperson of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), recognized for his diverse and proactive contributions to social responsibility activities, and was named an Honorary Citizen of Seoul.
-
Eve Air Mobility Announces Megha Bhatia as Chief Commercial Officer
Eve Air Mobility ("Eve") (NYSE: EVEX; EVEXW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Megha Bhatia as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Based in Melbourne, Bhatia will oversee Eve's global sales, market intelligence, and government relations divisions. Bhatia joins Eve from Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), where she served as Chief Strategy Officer. Her tenure at JSSI was marked by strategic initiatives that drove sales and enabled cross-selling and data integration across business units. Prior to JSSI, Bhatia held a series of leadership roles at Rolls-Royce over a span of more than a decade, holding various leadership positions, culminating in her role as Vice President Sales & Marketing for Business Aviation. Bhatia made significant contributions such as transforming the team performance to achieve record sales and increase the technical and commercial client experiences through process improvements and cross-functional collaboration. "Megha's extensive experience and strategic leadership are going to be instrumental as Eve prepares for LOI conversion into firm orders", said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. "Her ability to drive growth, manage large P&Ls, and lead high-performing teams, combined with her deep understanding of the aviation industry, make her an invaluable addition to our executive team. As we continue to advance the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem, Megha's expertise will play a crucial role reaching our goals with team initiatives and driving sustainable growth." "I am thrilled to join Eve Air Mobility, a pioneering company at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility, dedicated to transforming how people travel. As an industry leader, EVE is crafting a comprehensive ecosystem of cutting-edge products and solutions, where state-of-the-art eVTOLs are seamlessly integrated with safe operations and optimized agnostic systems, including modern air traffic management. I am proud to become a part of the talented team at EVE, working collaboratively to advance EVE's holistic strategy that supports our extensive global customer base that fosters enduring growth." Eve boasts the industry's largest backlog with letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOL aircraft, representing a potential $14.5 billion in revenue across 30 customers in 13 countries. Beyond aircraft, the company secured agreements with 14 service and operations customers in 9 countries and pre-deals for its urban air traffic management solution, Vector, with 17 customers across nine countries. Eve's ongoing expansion of its diverse portfolio of agnostic services and operational solutions has recently culminated in a significant milestone. The company successfully assembled its first full-scale eVTOL prototype at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, Sao Paulo State, and completed the selection process for primary suppliers for its eVTOL aircraft. The company is presently advancing into the next stage of development, which involves a series of comprehensive testing campaigns designed to evaluate every aspect of the aircraft's operation and performance, from flight capabilities to safety features.
-
DJ and Producer Mike Cerda Crafts Unique Beats With KRK Monitors, Subwoofers, and Headphones
DJ, Producer, and Multi-instrumentalist Mike Cerda has been in the music industry for over 25 years. He has worked with various artists and bands such as Shakira, Axwell & Ingrosso, and ChocQuibTown, among others. Cerda’s collaborations with GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY winners, in addition to his role as Musical Director for Maluma, have allowed his influence to reach international heights. To ensure clear and consistent sound when creating beats in his Miami studio, Cerda relies on the KRK V-Series V6 Powered Studio Monitors, an S10.4 Powered Studio Subwoofer, and KNS 8402 Studio Headphones. For times when he’s crafting arrangements on the road, Cerda calls on the KRK GoAux Mobile Monitoring System. “I think the most important thing to consider when choosing a pair of speakers is whether they reflect what’s happening and provide transparency of the audio,” says Cerda. “There are a lot of brands that either underrepresent or overrepresent the sound. For me, KRK translates my ideas in the mix exactly how I want.” Cerda also notes the importance of how his new KRK Subwoofer complements his latest V-Series studio monitors. “I love the combination of my V6 monitors with the 10-inch sub,” he shares. “Even at very low volumes, there is still a great bass presence that translates well in my mixes. Without the sub, I would have to work with higher volumes just to feel the bass.” A longtime user of KRK, Cerda acquired his first pair of V-Series monitors from a friend and says it was the brand’s aesthetic that initially drew him in. “The appearance of the KRKs is great; I love the yellow cones,” he explains. “The way they look against the brushed metal finish of the faceplate makes the monitors seem almost futuristic.” Cerda also credits the flexibility of the KRK V-Series as being an important benefit. “It is cool that you can adapt the speakers to any environment that you are working in,” he adds. “They are very easy to use; you can tune them to any room, and they will sound great.” In addition to his monitors and subwoofer, Cerda praises his KNS headphones for helping him perfect his mixes. “I love the KRK headphones,” he adds. “They are excellent for mixing, but I also use them during recordings as a reference to check my mixes. When I am at my home studio, I use KNS all the time, especially now that I’m a new dad and need to keep the volume low at times.” Cerda has spent a lot of time touring with Maluma and found himself frequently calling on his KRK GoAux to produce on the go. “I did not want to have to be isolated in a hotel room, so I would carry my GoAux and use them as a reference when listening,” he explains. “With GoAux, I no longer have to make arrangements to find a studio while on the road; they are easy to travel with and get set up and provide me with a helpful tool for referencing productions and mixes on the go.” Aside from the features of KRK products themselves, Cerda also finds that the team behind KRK has been instrumental to him. “The support I receive from KRK and [its parent company] Gibson is amazing,” he shares. “I love the Miami team; they are incredible and easy to work with. If I need help with my gear in any way, they are there for me.” A proud Venezuelan who was born in Caracas, Cerda has been around music his entire life. His musical odyssey began with his grandfather’s influence, a guiding force that introduced him to the world of music. At the age of eight, he embraced instruments like trombone, trumpet, and saxophone, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. While studying geophysical engineering in school, Cerda started a rap/hip-hop band called Cuarto Poder. The band soon became mainstream in Venezuela, which inspired Cerda to switch to studying recording arts in school. Cerda found it enriching to learn the theory of music while getting hands-on practice at the same time. Now, with a wealth of experiences from traveling the world, Cerda immerses himself in his latest projects. He fuses the captivating realms of house music with the diverse influences that have shaped his musical identity while also exploring unique sound and rhythm.
-
Heartland Video Systems Welcomes Industry Veteran Dan Whealy as Director of Business Development and Technology
Heartland Video Systems (HVS), a premier video systems integration and consulting firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Dan Whealy as Director of Business Development and Technology, effective Sept. 3, 2024. A distinguished, passionate industry leader with over two decades of experience in broadcast technology leadership, Whealy understands the ins and outs of television and radio stations. He brings unparalleled expertise across the board to HVS, including ATSC 3.0, ATSC 1.0, and next-generation broadcast technologies. Dan Whealy's Expertise Whealy joins HVS from Allen Media Broadcasting, where he served as Chief Technology Officer, overseeing technological strategy and innovation at NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox affiliates across the country. Under his leadership, Allen Media achieved significant operational and infrastructure-based improvements, realizing annual multimillion-dollar savings to the company through strategic capital initiatives. His focus has always been customer-centric, with a distinct passion for reliably serving the communities his stations have supported via robust, efficient technological infrastructures. Moving HVS Forward into the Future In his role at HVS, Whealy will focus on fostering strong relationships with broadcast group leaders and engineering support teams while being a key stakeholder for the company’s long-term business growth strategy and direction. He will also be an important component of HVS’s technology leadership team. His extensive knowledge of the broadcast landscape and strong leadership background position him to play a pivotal role in shaping HVS’s growth in both traditional broadcast and other emerging business sectors. Key Highlights of Dan Whealy's Career: ATSC 3.0 Leadership: Whealy was instrumental in getting Allen Media's transition to ATSC 3.0 off the ground, helping the company stay at the forefront of next-gen broadcast technology by delivering cutting-edge viewer experiences. Drone Technology Innovation: At Quincy Media, Whealy spearheaded an Emmy-award-winning drone program from scratch, achieving one of the first-ever live drone broadcasts during a major news event — redefining aerial-based newsgathering for local news coverage. Historic Studio Renovation: Whealy was a key leadership stakeholder during the multimillion-dollar renovation of KWWL's Waterloo studio under Quincy Media, where the 100-plus-year-old building's infrastructure was modernized during historically accurate renovations back to its original 1900s aesthetics, helping to land the building's placement on the National Historic Register — all without any impactful downtime in on-air operations over the multiyear project. National Industry Leadership: Whealy recently completed multiterm service as a member of the National Board of Directors for the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and Chair of the SBE Communications Committee. Whealy's insights and leadership have shaped the broadcast engineering industry on a national scale. Dennis Klas, President of HVS, commented: "We are excited to welcome Dan at a transformative time for the broadcast industry. His depth of experience, particularly in ATSC 3.0, aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative solutions for broadcasters. Dan's forward-thinking approach will help HVS continue to be a trusted partner as we navigate the evolving broadcast landscape." Dan Whealy, Director of Business and Technology, commented: "I am excited to continue my service in the industry at a well-respected company like HVS. I look forward to working with many of the colleagues I already know and to building great relationships with those I have not worked with yet. The industry is, in fact, going through a transformative period in its history, and I can't wait to get to work and help move the needle forward for HVS in its mission to support our important partners during this time."
-
Totalmobile Appoints Chrissi Jackson to Executive Team as Chief Product Officer
Totalmobile, a leading provider of field service management software solutions, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chrissi Jackson as Chief Product Officer. Chrissi steps into this role after serving as the Head of Product Development at Totalmobile for just over a year. This appointment also comes at a pivotal time for Totalmobile as the company continues to strengthen its role in the growing global field service management software industry. Chrissi brings nearly 20 years of experience in the information services sector, having held prominent positions at Ideagen, BSI, and Informa. During her tenure at Totalmobile, Chrissi has driven significant improvements across the company’s product portfolio. Under her guidance, the company has enhanced the utilisation of data across Totalmobile’s platform, introduced AI capabilities, and released fully integrated, multi-capability solutions. Notably, Chrissi oversaw the launch of a new works management solution tailored for the utilities and contractor market and spearheaded the development of an upcoming asset management capability, which is set to further strengthen Totalmobile’s offering. Phil Race, CEO of Totalmobile, commented on the appointment: "We are delighted to welcome Chrissi to the executive team. Since joining Totalmobile, she has shown exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of our industry. One of Totalmobile’s true differentiators is product quality and our ability to deliver genuine value through our solutions. Chrissi is perfectly positioned to ensure we continue to build on this, driving innovation and delivering even greater value to our customers. Her strategic vision and ability to lead our product teams make her the ideal person to advance our product function as we continue to expand our offerings and grow our market presence globally.” Chrissi also expressed her enthusiasm for her new role: "I am excited to take on this new challenge at Totalmobile and to lead our talented product team as we build on the strong foundation we've established. The field service management industry is rapidly evolving, and I look forward to helping steer our product strategy to meet the changing needs of our growing global customer base.” Under Chrissi's leadership, Totalmobile will continue to enhance its product innovation and strengthen its market position by continuing to deliver greater value to customers and drive growth in both new and existing markets. She will focus on improving the structure and operational processes within the product function, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and greater visibility in the organisation’s roadmap, ensuring that Totalmobile remains agile and responsive to market demands. Totalmobile remains committed to delivering innovative solutions that make work and the lives of mobile workers better. Chrissi Jackson’s appointment as Chief Product Officer reinforces the company’s commitment to leadership excellence and its mission to drive growth through cutting-edge technology and inclusive leadership. For more information on Totalmobile, please visit, www.totalmobile.co.uk
-
MAPFRE adds Leire Jiménez as Group Chief Innovation Officer
Global insurer MAPFRE today announced the appointment of Leire Jiménez as the new Group Chief Innovation Officer, effective September 1, 2024. This position will be concurrent with her current role as CEO of MAWDY, the company’s assistance business unit. Six years after its founding, MAPFRE Open Innovation is embarking on a new phase to continue enhancing business development and decision-making, as well as to ensure MAPFRE adds value to its customers by anticipating market trends and needs. Leire Jiménez, with 20 years of experience in the industry, will now lead this phase, having developed her career at both the national and international levels in markets such as the UK, France, and Asia, holding different positions of responsibility at MAPFRE. She has been CEO of MAWDY since 2019. She holds a Degree in Business Administration and Humanities from Deusto University (Spain), and has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Flinders University (Australia). In addition to her strategic and managerial capacity, she has extensive knowledge of the insurance market and is a firm advocate of the power of innovation as a fundamental pillar for business growth. Her appointment reflects the transformation that MAPFRE is undergoing to offer better service and greater value to customers, as well as the Group’s conscious drive for innovation through MAPFRE Open Innovation, a strategic lever of the company for more than half a decade, which is now pivoting toward a new stage in line with the changes being undertaken by the Group itself, as well as the industry, markets, and society in general. In the six years since the creation of MAPFRE Open Innovation, numerous exercises have been carried out that have influenced the company’s strategy, and mechanisms, capabilities and talent have been developed with high technical rigor and an effective governance model. The mechanisms created, aimed at connecting with the Insurtech ecosystem and other relevant industry agents, have facilitated MAPFRE with an external and complementary vision, enriching business development and decision-making. This approach has been essential in enabling the company to keep up with emerging trends and opportunities. Leire Jiménez replaces José Antonio Arias, who remains as Group Chief Operational Transformation Officer.
-
2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) to honour Japan's premier resort market
The 2024 edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) is now accepting entries across a broad range of categories that aims to elevate the standards of development and design in Japan’s alpine real estate markets. Submissions from eligible entrants from the Greater Niseko region are being accepted via asiapropertyawards.com until 13 September 2024. The presentation ceremony of the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) will be held during an exclusive gala luncheon on Friday, 13 December at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok, where finalists from East Asia and Middle East will also participate. Submissions from eligible entrants from the Greater Niseko region are being accepted via asiapropertyawards.com until 13 September 2024. Key dates for the 2024 edition:13 September 2024 – Entries close23 September to 14 October 2024 – Site Inspections 15 October 2024 – Final Judging13 December 2024 – Greater Niseko Awards Luncheon in Bangkok, Thailand13 December 2024 – Regional Grand Final Awards Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand Japan’s finest alpine real estate rises at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards 2023. The presentation ceremony of the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) will be held during an exclusive gala luncheon on Friday, 13 December at the Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok. Influx of tourists, investors Since reopening its borders, Japan has seen a significant influx of tourism and real estate investment, driven by its popular destinations like Niseko and the low currency value, making spending cost-effective. The dollar strength has also improved sentiment towards the country’s resort real estate market. The latest edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) features a diverse range of categories reflecting the growing appeal of Japan’s alpine real estate to international property seekers. This year’s awards programme is accepting entries across several new categories, including Best Investment Condo Development and Best Investment Housing Development. Other categories are poised to recognise Greater Niseko’s finest lifestyle developments, nature-integrated projects, and sales galleries. Placing more emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) global standards, this year’s awards include all-new recognitions for developers within Greater Niseko that excel in sustainable design, sustainable construction, energy efficiency, and social impact. Jules Kay, general manager of Awards and Events at PropertyGuru Group, said: "We invite nominations for this year's awards in Japan as we recognise the dynamic and multifaceted growth of its resort industry. We’re pleased to see international investors capitalising on the immense potential of Japan's resorts and launch developments that enhance convenience and lifestyle options for tourists, skiers, and snowboarders. Beyond the winter season, these resorts present untapped opportunities with their scenic beauty, year-round onsens, mountain biking trails, and premier golf courses. Join us this year in celebrating the properties transforming Japan's resort market." - Transparent, fair, credible An independent panel of judges, comprising experts in the property sector and related fields, determines this year’s distinguished crop of winners. The judges conduct a transparent, fair, and credible selection process under the supervision of HLB, the global advisory and accounting network. Eddie Guillemette, chairperson of the Awards in Greater Niseko and CEO of Midori no Ki (MnK), said: "The Asia Property Awards offer an opportunity for developers to distinguish their brands in an increasingly competitive property market. In the Japanese alpine market, developers can use the awards process to hone their message to attract guests, sports enthusiasts, and investors with unique designs, complimentary services, and all-season attractions. Winning a regional award like this validates a real estate project and ultimately helps build trust with consumers." Top winners will get the chance to compete with their peers from across the region for the coveted titles of “Best in Asia” at the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final, which will be presented at the gala night on 13 December 2024 in Bangkok. Hanacreek by Apex Property and Aki Niseko by Takuetsu Co., Ltd. represented Greater Niseko at the 18th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in 2023 with prestigious wins for Best Housing / Landed Architectural Design (Asia) and Best Housing / Landed Interior Design (Asia), respectively. The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) are part of the regional PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards series, which marks its 19th year in 2024. The series covers key markets across the region, spanning Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and Oceania, with exclusive gala events and ceremonies that represent the most anticipated property events of the year. Organised by PropertyGuru Group (NYSE:PGRU), the 2024 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) are made possible by supporting association Niseko Tourism; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners Japan Today, Marketing in Asia, Powderlife, and Real Estate Japan; and official supervisor HLB. For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: asiapropertyawards.com
-
Nicholas Cumins Takes Charge as CEO of Bentley Systems, Ushering in a New Era
Following the CEO transition plan previously announced by Bentley Systems, Incorporated (Nasdaq: BSY), Nicholas Cumins today takes charge as CEO. Cumins succeeds Greg Bentley, the eldest of the five brothers who founded Bentley Systems, who becomes Executive Chair of its Board of Directors. Cumins is the first CEO in the company’s 40-year history who is not a Bentley family member, marking a significant milestone in the company’s development. The Bentley brothers redefined what was then computer-aided design (CAD) software when they developed MicroStation as a groundbreaking engineering application platform. Four decades of innovation and more than 120 acquisitions later, Bentley Systems is the leading provider of infrastructure engineering software, with its infrastructure digital twin solutions used to design, build, and operate critical infrastructure around the world. The transition to Cumins’ leadership comes at a critical time for infrastructure sectors. There are not enough engineers to accomplish the work required to achieve global sustainability targets while also adapting aging infrastructure vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Cumins unveiled Bentley’s vision for infrastructure resilience, noting that engineering firms and asset owner-operators are looking to software to help them overcome the limitations of scarce talent. “Infrastructure is at a watershed moment. Despite the massive capital investment in infrastructure projects and jobs post pandemic, so much more remains to be done to make infrastructure more resilient. Our ability to bridge that gap will literally determine the quality of life for generations to come. Fortunately, a paradigm shift in software is reshaping the landscape. AI-powered digital twin solutions are unlocking the value of data across the infrastructure lifecycle.” For example, Bentley’s AI solutions are already transforming the way organizations are monitoring the health of roads, bridges, dams, water networks, and telecommunications towers. “Every owner-operator in the world is looking for a simpler and more effective way to understand the condition of their assets. Think what the power and possibilities of AI imply for improving asset performance and making infrastructure more resilient. This is the moment for our generation to apply its ingenuity and build upon the legacy of innovation to continue advancing the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life.” Before his promotion to CEO, Cumins served as Bentley Systems’ COO from January 2022. He joined Bentley Systems as Chief Product Officer in September 2020 prior to the company’s IPO. Previously he was General Manager of SAP Marketing Cloud and served as Chief Product Officer of Scytl, a platform for online voting, and as Senior Vice President of Product with OpenX, a pioneer in programmatic advertising. Before OpenX, he had already served in a variety of senior roles at SAP, including product management, corporate strategy, and business development. Cumins is a dual French and U.S. citizen and is based in France.
-
Jens Fehlinger to become CEO of Swiss International Air Lines
Jens Fehlinger will be the new CEO of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS). He will assume his new role on 1 October 2024 and succeed Dieter Vranckx who will become a member of the Lufthansa Group Executive Board as of 1 July 2024. Jens Fehlinger (43) started his professional career at the Lufthansa Group in 2006, where he held various management positions. Among other things, he was in charge of strategy and business development at Lufthansa Airlines and the operational performance management for Lufthansa Group. During the Covid pandemic, he was responsible for the Group's crisis management office and subsequently headed the ReNew restructuring project. In recent years, Jens Fehlinger has been Co-Managing Director of Lufthansa Cityline and at the same time established as managing Director the new airline Lufthansa City Airlines. Jens Fehlinger holds a commercial pilot's license for the Airbus A320 and is currently an active pilot for Lufthansa Cityline. Fehlinger holds a graduate degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in Aviation Systems Engineering and Management from the University of Bremen, Germany, and a master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Traffic and Transport from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany. He also received an Executive MBA from the IE Business School in Madrid, Spain. Jens Fehlinger is married and father of two children. Heike Birlenbach, Chief Commercial Officer SWISS, will act as interim CEO until Jens Fehlinger takes over.
-
Dusit Hotels and Resorts Announces Key Leadership Appointments Ahead of Dusit Thani Bangkok Reopening
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced the appointment of key leadership talent to spearhead the highly anticipated return of its legendary flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which is set to officially open its doors after a stunning transformation on 27 September 2024. Joining as Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms, Ms Somruedee Getwansopon will lead the hotel’s highly elevated guest room experience. Drawing on a wealth of experience in hotel operations and management for luxury brands such as Kempinski Hotels and Okura Hotels & Resorts, Ms Getwansopon will oversee several departments to ensure every detail reflects Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and delivers the utmost in comfort and convenience for guests. In Sales & Marketing, Ms Nuengruethai Sa-nguansakpakdee has assumed the executive role of Director of Sales and Distribution. Previously Group Director of Sales & Marketing at 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok, she has a proven track record in senior roles for five-star hotels and resorts across Thailand. Now, she’ll oversee all aspects of sales, revenue management, and distribution for Dusit Thani Bangkok. Complementing Ms Sa-nguansakpakdee's efforts is Mr Peeradej Charoendireksup, Director of Marketing. A seasoned marketing and communications professional with experience at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Mr Charoendireksup will drive Dusit Thani Bangkok’s strategic marketing and communication initiatives. The hotel’s six restaurants and bars are poised to deliver memorable experiences under the leadership of Mr Jonathan Forestier, Director of Food & Beverage. Mr Forestier brings over 10 years of experience working in Thailand for luxury brands such as Sofitel and Anantara, most recently leading the food and beverage team at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. The newly appointed leadership team will work alongside the hotel’s Managing Director, Mr Adrian Rudin, an industry veteran with over thirty years of experience leading luxury hotels under renowned banners such as Shangri-La and Kempinski Hotels, to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences across the entire guest journey. “Assembling this team of top industry talents strengthens the solid groundwork we have already done and ensures we are positioned to honour and build on the rich legacy of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok when we officially open our doors this September,” said Mr Rudin. “From luxurious accommodations and innovative culinary experiences to our transformative urban wellness concept, we're committed to crafting exceptional moments at every turn, delighting discerning travellers and Bangkok residents alike.” Situated in the same prime location as the original Dusit Thani Bangkok, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 – 2019, the highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel sits at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and a 11,200 sq m Roof Park (all slated to open in 2025). Designed to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world, the newly built 257-key hotel offers ample space for guests, including elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sq m. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room offers a breathtaking view of Lumpini Park, and each makes the most of this unparalleled vista with floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting window seating that frames the impressive landscape and fully immerses guests in the stunning scenery. This thoughtful design combination creates an atmosphere of tranquility and connection with nature, all while enveloping guests in luxurious comfort. The new Dusit Thani Bangkok also boasts a unique urban wellness concept, elevated dining experiences created in collaboration with renowned chefs, a stylish multi-level rooftop bar created in partnership with award-winning mixologists, and expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, boasting an impressive eight-metre-high ceiling and a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for intimate gatherings and large-scale events. The hotel’s new benchmarks in service, design, and overall guest experience will ripple across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide. More details about the hotel and its special opening offer are available at Dusit Thani Bangkok.
-
Black Box’s Erik Jost Accepted Into Forbes Technology Council
Black Box®, a global leader in delivering innovative communication and technology solutions, today announced that Erik Jost, the Vice President of Modern Workplace for Black Box, has been accepted into Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class chief information officers, chief technology officers and technology executives. Jost was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. Jost leads the development of Black Box's Modern Workplace practice, which aims to transform how business leaders, managers and employees perform their work and deliver experiences to their customers. In doing so, the practice increases the top line and improves the bottom line for Black Box while driving workplace efficiency for employees. His responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of services, including Customer Experience (CX) and AI Data Fabric services. Among other things, Jost and his team seek to enhance existing contact center and CX technologies through migration to services that use cutting-edge, cloud-based omnichannel solutions; provide ongoing tailored AI capabilities and automation to fit specific customer needs; drive efficiencies via agentless CX to improve the bottom line; and deploy solutions that enhance both customer and agent experiences. As a member of the Council, Jost has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected leaders in a private forum. Jost will also have the opportunity to share his expert insights in original articles and contribute to published Expert Panels alongside other experts on Forbes.com. Finally, Jost will benefit from exclusive access to membership-branded marketing collateral, high-touch support from the Forbes Councils member concierge team and complimentary membership in EXEC — the luxury hotel, travel, lifestyle and business benefits program. "I'm honored to have been accepted into Forbes Technology Council," Jost said. "I look forward to connecting with other technology leaders to gain insights and also share my own solutions to dynamic, real-time technology challenges."
-
FRANCESCO TUTINO IS PRYSMIAN’S NEW GROUP CHIEF HR & ORGANIZATION OFFICER
Prysmian, global cabling solutions provider leading the energy transition and digital transformation, announced today that Francesco Tutino has been appointed Group Chief HR & Organization Officer. Tutino has over twenty years of experience in the HR area, having held leadership positions at several multinational companies. In his career, he has taken on various roles, including at DENSO and CNH, until his latest position as Chief Human Resources and IT Officer of Iveco Group. “We believe that Francesco’s expertise and competencies will significantly contribute to our Group’s success, enhancing the value of our people, who are our founding pillar,” stated Massimo Battaini, Prysmian’s CEO and General Manager. "I am pleased to join Prysmian and contribute to implementing its strategic plan. Prysmian is a leading Company that stands out for its ability to identify and value talent, offering an environment where people can grow, share ideas, and collaborate towards common goals. I am committed to contributing to the consolidation of a corporate culture that puts people front and centre, promoting inclusion and innovation, recognising merit, and considering training and development as key elements to ensuring work-life balance," stated Francesco Tutino.
-
Cinnafilm Welcomes Maria Psyhogios as Vice President of Business Development
Cinnafilm Inc., an industry leader in image and sound conversion solutions, today announced the appointment of Maria Psyhogios as the company's new vice president of business development. "The addition of Maria to our team significantly enhances our capacity to sustain Cinnafilm's current growth trajectory," said Lance Maurer, CEO and founder of Cinnafilm. "Her customer-first approach and impressive track record in building lasting professional relationships align with Cinnafilm's goals. Maria's contributions will be instrumental as we continue to expand our market presence." With over a decade of experience in the media industry, Psyhogios brings a wealth of knowledge in offering cutting-edge software and services to a diverse array of clients, including content creators/providers, consumer electronics and SoC manufacturers, OTT and SVOD providers, and satellite and cable companies. Before joining Cinnafilm, Psyhogios served as vice president of business development at Giant Worldwide, where she successfully drove growth by selling quality control testing services to major studios and streamers. Prior to that, she held the same position at Solekai Systems, leading sales efforts for digital video software engineering services in the media and entertainment sector. "I'm beyond thrilled to join such a progressive company with proven industry-leading technology, and to work with such an incredibly talented team, especially at a time when studios, production companies, and broadcasters have a real need to automate, and scale their facilities and supply chains," said Psyhogios. "Cinnafilm's advanced media processing and conversion solutions have shown they not only meet those demands but are transformative as well." Psyhogios is based in San Diego and reports to Cinnafilm Chief Revenue Officer Ernie Sanchez. Further information about Cinnafilm and the company's media processing solutions is available at www.cinnafilm.com
-
Peter Frampton: Legendary Musician to be Honored with Annual Les Paul Spirit Award on Sunday, June 9
The Les Paul Foundation, whose mission is to honor and share the life, spirit and legacy of Les Paul through generations has announced the annual Les Paul Spirit Award in partnership with Gibson Gives, the philanthropic division of Gibson. The prestigious award will be presented to legendary musical artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Peter Frampton on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 6:30pm CT at a private event* held at the Gibson Garage Nashville located at 209 10th Ave S, Suite 209 in downtown Nashville, TN. The event will take place on what would have been Les Paul’s 109th birthday, and marks the third anniversary of the Gibson Garage Nashville. The annual award is presented to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the late, great Les Paul through innovation, engineering, technology and/or music. In addition to the award, a grant from the Les Paul Foundation will be made in the honoree’s name to the charity of his choice. Like Les Paul, Peter Frampton personifies the spirit of excellence through musicianship and industry recognition. Frampton has also experimented with new technologies and music trends, apparent in his early recordings on albums Frampton and Frampton Comes Alive! and particularly his hit singles “Do You Feel Like We Do” and “Show Me the Way,” synonymous with the use of the talk box. “I cannot think of anyone more fitting to be honored with this year’s Les Paul Spirit Award than Peter Frampton. Not only is he an extraordinary talent who has given us an amazing array of extraordinary music, but he is an innovator who understands music, technologies, and the spirit of Les Paul,” says Michael Braunstein, Executive Director of The Les Paul Foundation. “If Les were still alive today, I have absolutely no doubt that he and Peter would be experimenting together at Les’ house. I am personally thrilled to be able to present Peter with this award because I know he exemplifies everything Les was about and wanted to accomplish. I want to also thank the Gibson Gives Foundation for partnering with us on this exciting annual award and for everything they do to keep Les’ name alive.” “At Gibson Gives, we are thrilled to celebrate the incredible contributions of Les Paul and partner with the Les Paul Foundation to bring awareness to Les Paul’s legacy as he continues to inspire musicians across generations and genres.” --Beth Heidt, Chief Marketing Officer at Gibson “Peter Frampton personifies the spirit of excellence through his musicianship and industry recognition. Gibson Gives is proud to partner with the Les Paul Foundation to present the prestigious Les Paul Spirit Award to this legendary artist who embodies the innovative spirit of Les Paul himself and his landmark contributions to music.” --Erica Krusen, Global Executive Director at Gibson Gives Peter Frampton is a rock star. Frampton grew up in England and joined a band when he was only 16. Two years later he joined the supergroup Humble Pie and achieved massive success across the United Kingdom. In 1971, Frampton left Humble Pie and released his first solo debut Winds of Change. Then in 1976 he recorded one of the greatest live albums of all time Frampton Comes Alive! Frampton’s use of the talk box to create a human and guitar hybrid sound was and is unprecedented in the music industry. Other chart-topping hits showcased on the album included “Show Me the Way,” “Baby, I Love Your Way,” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.” All of them reached the Top 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Frampton continues to write and perform despite sharing his diagnosis of inclusion body myositis in 2019. He is a true symbol of perseverance, hope and support. He is a GRAMMY Award, JUNO Award and People’s Choice Award winner and has been named a 2024 Inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The exclusive, physical Les Paul Spirit Award for Peter Frampton is made from actual hand-carved acoustic boards built by Les Paul that he used in his home studio. Les Paul designed and created this now historical memorabilia during his life. The acoustic wood piece is a unique presentation and supported by Les’ personal story. No two Les Paul Spirit Awards are exactly the same, given the unique nature of the studio pieces which are being used to create them and their intrinsic value as authentic Les Paul memorabilia. Media is invited to cover the Les Paul Spirit Award presentation and should confirm attendance with press contacts below.
