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Tuesday, 10 November 2009 12:45 |
 New president and CEO for Groupe Aeroplan-Europe
Groupe Aeroplan has appointed David Johnston as president and CEO of Groupe Aeroplan-Europe and executive VP Groupe Aeroplan.
Based in London, Johnston will have leadership responsibility for international loyalty management company Groupe Aeroplan's current European-based businesses, including Nectar, the UK coalition loyalty programme as well as LMG Insight & Communication, an insight and data analytics business offering worldwide services to retailers and their suppliers.
In addition, Johnston will oversee operations of Rewards Management Middle East, the operator of Air Miles programmes in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, and the new coalition loyalty programme in Italy to be launched during the first quarter of 2010. His role will exclude leadership responsibility for any businesses of loyalty marketing company Carlson Marketing which was this month acquired by Groupe Aeroplan.
Joining the company on January 11, 2010, he will report directly to Rupert Duchesne, president and CEO of Canada-based Groupe Aeroplan.
Johnston joins Groupe Aeroplan from Pepsico International, where he most recently held the position of general manager, Quaker Tropicana, UK, and previously VP beverages marketing - Europe. His long tenure with Pepsico has provided international experience through executive roles that have included VP, beverages marketing - Latin America and global marketing director, Colas in New York. He was also marketing director for Pepsico in Poland and Budapest, having previously worked in brand management and new product development and research at Bass PLC-Britvic Soft Drinks.
"This appointment marks an important step in the growth of Groupe Aeroplan's position as the leading global loyalty management provider," commented Duchesne. "With David's proven knowledge of the market, impressive international experience and well-honed leadership capabilities, we have added significant power to our talent base in Europe."
Johnston will become a member of the Groupe Aeroplan Management Board, as well as a member of the Groupe Aeroplan European Advisory Board, under the continued chairmanship of Richard Baker. The advisory board assists and advises the Groupe Aeroplan European executive team on how it can capitalize on growth opportunities for its loyalty programmes across Europe.
Also joining the European Advisory Board will be Ian Filby, formerly trading director at UK pharmacy and beauty chain Boots, who has been serving as Groupe Aeroplan-Europe’s interim CEO since July 2009. |
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