PATA Appoints Calderwood as Interim CEO

PATA has appointed William Calderwood as interim CEO. Calderwood will take over from the present CEO, Greg Duffell, when the latter’s term of notice is up at the end of February 2011.

Calderwood, who is also a member of PATA’s Executive Board, arrives in Bangkok on 25 February. Meanwhile, the CEO search committee, with the professional assistance of an outside recruitment agency, will continue to seek a fitting candidate for the CEO position.

Hiran Cooray, chairman, PATA, said, “We are very pleased that someone of the seniority and experience of Bill Calderwood agreed to step in during this interim period, which gives us more time to hone the search for the most apt candidate to lead the association forward into the future from its glorious 60-year old past.”

 Greg Duffell, CEO, PATA, added, “I welcome someone of Bill’s maturity to steer PATA particularly now, with the 60th anniversary celebrations imminent, and many more milestones to cover this year. Besides his travel and tourism background, his in-depth knowledge of the association since he is an Executive Board member as well, means he is already privy to the workings of PATA and what immediate actions are required.”

Calderwood’s previous assignments include stints as Head of International Operations for the Australian Tourism Commission as well as running large membership based organisations, tourism attractions and the CEO of major travel retail and wholesale operations. He has had an extensive career in tourism spanning over 30-years running major organisations and global networks, across the government, private and association sectors and has an established global network in the tourism industry, airlines and government sectors, with an association with PATA over 15-years. He is currently managing director of The Ayre Group Consulting.

 Calderwood said, “It is an honour for me to act as interim CEO and ensure and contribute to the smooth day-to-day working of the Association. Meanwhile of course, the CEO search committee will continue to examine various profiles and will select the best candidate as a more permanent incumbent of the position.”

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