New In The Job

New In The Job is one of two features that will now run weekly, giving NBR Online readers insight into salary expectations and newly-filled positions in today's job market.

This week's New In The Job covers two additions: one in the Wellington tourism sector and another at Cathay Pacific.

...in Wellington tourism

What’s the appointment? Andrea Werner is business development manager for the Wellington Convention Bureau.

So it’s a brand new role? Yes. Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT), Positively Wellington Venues (PWV) and Te Papa formed a partnership to establish the new position.

Why? To drive extra Australian conference vistors. PWT chief executive David Perks says leisure and business visits from Australia is going from strength-to-strength. But figures show the conventions and incentives market is still ‘ripe for the picking’.

What do the numbers say? Well, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) said the numbers of Australians visiting Wellington for a conference have risen 13.4% in the year to July.

That’s not bad. Yes and no – the actual number of visitors in that time was 4600. The partnership would like it to be even better.

How much better? Currently, according to Mr Perks, Australians account for just 5% of conventions-based room nights. “We want to raise this to 15% within three years to in excess of 28,000 room nights per year.”

What does that mean in dollars? Quite a bit. At the moment, the Australian conference and incentives market is worth about $4.37 million to Wellington from $4.37 million. That shift from 5 to 15% would increase the market’s worth to $7 million.

What about the other partners? PWV say additional air capacity on trans-Tasman routes and the strength of the Australian dollar makes this the ideal time to focus on growing the market. Te Papa is keen to double the 10% contribution Australian-based organisations currently make.

Where else has Ms Werner worked? Originally from New Zealand but now Sydney-based, Ms Werner has worked in the conference and incentives market with various companies; including Focus New Zealand, and Four Seasons.

What will she do? Assist Australian professional conference organisers, as well as association, corporate and incentive clients. The aim is to make it easy for them to choose Wellington for their next business event.

...at Cathay Pacific

What’s the appointment? Ken Chiu has been appointed country manager for Cathay Pacific Airways in New Zealand - the first expatriate manager in the role.

Who is he replacing? David Figgins is retiring from the job. He has spent the past 37 years working for Cathay Pacific, most of that in the role of country manager.
 
So where was he before Cathay? Mr Chiu’s most recent role was as Southern China regional manager for the Cathay Pacific group. During his two year stint there he was responsible for overseeing Dragonair flights to Fuzhou, Sanya in Hainan Island and Guilin, as well as Cathay Pacific’s freighter service to Xiamen.
 
And before that? Born in Hong Kong, Mr Chiu did his undergraduate degree in the United States at the University of Oregon, Eugene. He worked briefly as an IT consultant in Hong Kong before returning to university – this time at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – to gain an MBA.
 
Where else has he worked? In various countries and several different roles at Cathay. He worked first as a management trainee after joining Cathay Pacific in 2004, then spent a year in the Philippines as assistant to the country manager. On his return to Hong Kong he was appointed assistant to the general manager in in-flight services before moving to a planning role at Cathay Pacific’s Cargo Head Office.
 
How’s he feeling right now? According to Mr Chiu, a little intimidated. "I am aware I have some big shoes to fill. David Figgins has been such a well known identity in the travel and aviation industries in New Zealand.” He said New Zealand was a very mature market while China has been experiencing rapid growth, particularly during the past two years.

He’ll be right. Mr Chiu said he was delighted to be working with a very senior and experienced team. “I am excited to have the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand in my first role as country manager for Cathay Pacific Airways.”