New roles for Gedeon, Morin as AC realigns sales

Air Canada has tapped Zeina Gedeon as its new vice-president, e-commerce, product distribution and sales development, while Claude Morin has been named vice-president global sales management. The airline said that the realignment of its sales organization is designed to better reflect strategic objectives and capitalize on opportunities and markets in an evolving industry environment. Gedeon, currently president and CEO of Air Canada Vacations, will be responsible for the strategy, development and ongoing management of all distribution channels pertaining to Air Canada products and digital touch points — web site, kiosk, mobile devices — including the development of any supporting platforms or new functionalities. That’s in addition to her responsibilities for sales development. Ben Smith, executive vice-president and chief commercial officer for AC , said: “Under Zeina’s dynamic leadership, Air Canada Vacations has grown into one of Canada’s leading tour operators. Her passion for the industry together with her proven talents and skills make her the right candidate for this role as we work with key distribution partners to create new business opportunities and continue to innovate the way we sell and distribute our product.” Reporting to Gedeon in her new role will be Graham Wareham, senior director, distribution/customer direct; Robert Trudeau, director, business development; and Anna Buchnea, director, passenger sales, Canada. The head of e-commerce reporting to Zeina will be appointed at a future date. In his new role, Claude Morin will be responsible for customer and partnership management on a global basis. Smith observed of the appointment that: “Claude’s strong leadership skills coupled with his commitment to relationship management makes him the right candidate for this key role as we position the airline for international growth.” Reporting to Morin are: Susan Clements, director, agency sales; Gary Cross, general manager, Europe, Middle East, Africa, India; Laureen Davies, director, multi-national sales; Chris Garton, general manager, Asia and Pacific; Patrick Khoury, senior director, sales, USA; Kathy Mason, director, corporate sales; Rosanna Panetta, director, leisure sales; Alex Pittman, general manager, Latin America & Caribbean. Morin and Gedeon will both report to Ben Smith and the appointments take effect immediately.