Northwest Airlines announces executive appointments in China and Philippines

5 August 2002

Northwest Airlines today announced two new executive appointments for China and Philippines.

Northwest Airlines Names Laurie Lofgren General Manager - China

Laurie Lofgren has been named general manager – China, Northwest Airlines. Lofgren will be responsible for Northwest’s marketing, sales, operations and administrative functions throughout China, supporting the carrier’s daily flights serving Beijing and Shanghai.

“We are pleased to leverage Laurie Lofgren’s many years of experience and accomplishment in Northwest’s Asian operations for the benefit of our customers and employees in this critical market,” said Robert Isom, vice president – international. “Laurie’s leadership will allow us to continue to build on Northwest’s role as a leading carrier strongly committed to serving the Chinese market.” 

Lofgren, who has served as general manager – Philippines, Guam and Saipan since May of 2000, and held leadership positions for Northwest in the Pacific for the last 10 years, will report to Isom. 

Lofgren holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota and master’s degree in business communications from St. Thomas University.

In her new position, Lofgren will replace John Watkins, who will take on a special assignment related to the airline’s operations in China.

Northwest Airlines Names Ray Nishihira General Manager – Philippines

Ray Nishihira has been named general manager – Philippines, Northwest Airlines. Nishihira will be responsible for Northwest’s marketing, sales, operations and administrative functions throughout the Philippines, supporting the carrier’s daily flights serving Manila.

In his new position, Nishihira will replace Laurie Lofgren mentioned above.

“Ray Nishihira’s record of accomplishment with Northwest and other airlines will allow us to continue to strengthen our relationships and build our presence in this important market,” said Robert Isom, vice president – international. “Ray has a proven track record of leading country organizations in Asia and Europe for global airlines, and we are pleased that our customers and employees will be able to benefit from his vast experience.” 

Nishihira, who has served as director of marketing for Asia since January of 1998, will report to Isom. 

Nishihira, born and raised in Hawaii, holds a bachelors of science degree in accounting from California State University in Los Angeles. 

Northwest Airlines is the world's fourth largest airline with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam and more than 1,700 daily departures. With its travel partners, Northwest serves nearly 750 cities in almost 120 countries on six continents.