Avianca announced its succession plan for the airline. Frederico Pedreira will step down from his role as CEO, effective Feb. 28, 2026, after five years with the company. To further strengthen the airline’s leadership structure and ensure a smooth transition, according to an announcement, Avianca’s board of directors has approved the creation of a president position, to be filled by Gabriel Oliva concurrently with his COO role, effective immediately. Pedreira will remain as CEO until Feb. 28 to ensure full continuity and alignment across the organization.
Associated Luxury Hotels International has named Johannes Ripper as director of global sales, Europe, based in Germany. Most recently, he held a national leadership role at Marriott International. He has also worked for InterContinental Hotels Group and Kempinski Hotels.
Kempinski Hotels announced the appointment of Alan Chin as managing director for China and Mongolia and general manager for Key International Hotels Management. Key is a long-standing joint venture between Kempinski and Beijing Tourism Group. Prior to joining Kempinski, Chin held senior roles at Accor and the China Hospitality Fund, where he led product and project development and investment site sourcing. He had previously spent 15 years at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, including a period as CEO.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) announced the appointment of Celine Du as its new chief commercial and marketing officer. In her new role, she will oversee PPHG’s commercial strategy and performance across both corporate and property levels across its portfolio of Pan Pacific, Parkroyal Collection and Parkroyal brands. Prior to joining PPHG, Du held senior leadership roles at Mandarin Oriental Hotels Group and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.
Malaysia Aviation Group has named Malaysian Airlines COO Nasaruddin Bakar as president and group CEO of the carrier, effective Jan. 31, 2026. Bakar will succeed Izham Ismail, who is retiring and who had been group managing director. The role of president and group CEO will replace the group managing director position. Ismail has been in his role since Dec. 1, 2017. Bakar has more than three decades of experience in flight operations, management and strategic roles within Malaysia Aviation Group, according to the company.
