CSIR International Convention Centre expands leadership team
The CSIR International Convention Centre has appointed several key personnel as part of its organisational restructuring.
Elmarie Swanepoel has been named Business Development Manager, bringing extensive experience in business events and hospitality. She will lead sales and reservations, driving competitiveness and strategic planning.
Lakshana Arnashellan and Refilwe Ramaphakela have both joined as Event Coordinators. Arnashellan has a background in hospitality management while Ramaphakela brings expertise in public administration, marketing and project management.
City Lodge Hotels’ Chef to lead local competition committee
Trevor Boyd, General Manager of Food & Beverage Operations at City Lodge Hotels, has been appointed Chairman of the SA Chefs Association’s Competition Committee. This committee will focus on enhancing professional culinary competitions in South Africa.
Boyd has a strong history in competitive cooking, having participated in and managed Team South Africa at the IKA Culinary Olympics where he won gold and silver medals. He aims to reinvigorate culinary contests in the country, particularly following setbacks caused by the pandemic.
Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, Chief Operating Officer for City Lodge Hotel Group, said Boyd’s role will boost the hospitality sector and provide young chefs with opportunities to compete globally.
“This appointment brings a great opportunity for Trevor’s personal and professional growth and learning and is also a wonderful platform for City Lodge Hotels to be seen and recognised as a significant player in the hospitality sector. It is a wonderful platform for the growth and exposure of young and upcoming chefs across South Africa, affording them a great opportunity to participate in global competitions in the future. Well done, Chef – you are a great inspiration to all of us!”
Lufthansa appoints new EMEA sales head
Lufthansa Group Airlines has appointed Julia Hillenbrand as Vice President: Sales for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). She will oversee commercial and sales activities for all Lufthansa brands outside the home markets.
Hillenbrand succeeds Lorenza Maggio who has moved to the Board of Directors at ITA Airways.
Hillenbrand has held key roles at Lufthansa since 2022, including overseeing the brand and customer experience at SWISS and managing sales across Western Europe, Spain, Portugal and Asia Pacific. Fluent in six languages, she has lived in 11 countries and holds a degree in international business.
Frank Naeve, Lufthansa Group’s Senior Vice President: Sales & Distribution, praised Hillenbrand’s leadership: “Julia is an extremely experienced and creative airline manager with a strong spirit for innovation and international business relations. With her deep understanding of our customers and other stakeholders’ needs, she will further strengthen the Lufthansa Group.”
