TORONTO, ONTARIO (August 24, 2006) Hogg Robinson Group (HRG), the award-winning international corporate services company, has today announced the appointment of Maria da Cunha CMP as Vice President of Operations Canada for its Events & Meetings Management division. Effective immediately, Ms da Cunha’s new role, which is based in Toronto, Ontario, encompasses responsibility for events and meetings management-related operations and sales throughout Canada.

A sales and operations veteran, Maria da Cunha has some 25 years experience in the travel, meetings and incentives industries and re-joins HRG after a four-year period as Director, Business Development for Navigant Performance Group, during which time she headed up the Sales Effectiveness Task Team, winning the Outstanding Sales Performance Award for top sales in 2005 and 2006. Prior to her role with Navigant, Ms da Cunha spent a decade with HRG Events & Meetings Management (formerly BRAVO Meeting Management Solutions), joining as Account Manager and holding various operational roles before her eventual appointment to the position of Director, Business Development.

A committed member of the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) Canada, Ms da Cunha served as Chapter President in both 2005 and 2006, and also sat on the host committee for the SITE 2005 International Conference. In addition, she is actively involved with Meeting Planners International, the Canadian Professional Sales Association and the Women’s Executive Network. In 2004 she completed her CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) certification and also gained a Marketing Certificate from Ryerson University.

“We are delighted to welcome Maria back to HRG,” commented Paul Salvatore, President Events & Meetings Management and Loyalty Programs North America. “With her impressive operations, sales and marketing experience we believe she will help strengthen our meetings and events offering in Canada for the benefit of our clients.”

He continued: “I believe that Maria will be a great asset to our company and, with her skills and the support of her colleagues worldwide, we will strive to continue to deliver real value in this key business sector for our multinational and national clients.”

In addition to Ms da Cunha’s new role in Canada, HRG’s Events & Meetings Management division has also seen the appointment of Frankie Khng as Event Manager in Singapore. Previously employed by BCD Travel, Mr Khng brings an additional eight years industry experience to HRG.

“I am also pleased to welcome Frankie Khng to our team in Asia Pacific. I believe this is a clear indication of HRG’s global commitment to its Events & Meetings Management division,” concluded Mr Salvatore.

- Ends -

For further information please contact:

Joshua Cramer-Montes
Dan Klores Communications
Tel: 212 981 5175
Email: Joshua_Cramer-Montes@dkcnews.com
 
Tania Charalambous,
Manager Marketing Communications, HRG North America
Tel: 416 593 3830
Email: Tania.Charalambous@hrgworldwide.com

Notes to Editors:

Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) is the award-winning international corporate services company whose interests include wholly-owned or majority controlled corporate travel operations in key driver/growth markets throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and North America; its worldwide network extends to nearly 90 countries. 

Totally committed to a value offering for clients, the HRG worldwide network offers a comprehensive range of corporate services which includes travel management, fulfilment services and low cost transactions as well as Consulting, Expense Management, Sports and Events & Meetings Management.