ACV makes changes & appointments to senior team

New appointments to Air Canada Vacations' senior team are expected to drive leisure sales for the tour operator and consolidate the leisure content from Air Canada, according to a statement by the company announcing the changes.

Effective immediately, Amr Younes is taking on the position of vice-president, Air Canada Vacations Sales.

In addition, as of Jan. 2, 2015, George Platanitis will be joining the team in the capacity of vice-president, marketing and e-commerce.

Both will report to Eamonn Ferrin, president and COO of Air Canada Vacations.

Younes, who has 20 years in travel and tourism to his name, joined Air Canada Vacations in June 2014 as vice-president, independent travel and cruise.

In his new role, he will work with the Air Canada Vacations sales teams across Canada to create a more unified approach with independent travel agencies and national travel agency accounts, part of which will be leveraging the revamped ACV & ME Loyalty Program.

"His previous experience leading the national sales team at Thomas Cook, combined with his knowledge of Air Canada Vacations’ products makes him the perfect candidate to take on this new challenge," the release said.

Platanitis, who is currently director, business development & travel partnerships at Air Canada, will be leading the consolidation of leisure content from Air Canada over to Air Canada Vacations, including responsibility for hotel, car and insurance partnerships.

In addition, he will oversee partnership and e-commerce activities for Air Canada Vacations to ensure maximum exposure to the Air Canada family.

"In his capacity, Platanitis will also be working closely with his e-commerce colleagues at Air Canada to promote a broader range of leisure products and significantly increase sales in both Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada channels," the statement reads. "As an aggregate, Platanitis will be responsible for the following areas: advertising and promotions, e-commerce, partnerships, customer strategy and marketing and creative design. He will also be responsible for independent travel including cars, hotels, and the South Pacific, Asia, South America portfolio for Air Canada Vacations."

He has more than 20 years of in-depth marketing experience. Previously, Platanitis held the position of general manager at Aeroplan for six years.