TORONTO — Air Canada Vacations has appointed Nino Montagnese to the new role of Managing Director, Sun Markets, and George Platanitis to the new role of Vice President, Sales and Partnerships.

The move comes after rumours swirled about where Montagnese would land after he resigned last week from his position as Senior Vice President, Sunquest and Holiday House at TravelBrands, a post he held since 2014. Prior to that Montagnese was at Air Canada Vacations for over 12 years, where he last served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Inbetween there was a brief stint at Mywurld Solutions.

“I’m very pleased to welcome Nino back to the Air Canada Vacations family,” said Craig Landry, President, Air Canada Leisure Group. “Nino is a respected leader in the Canadian travel industry, and brings with him an extensive background in marketing and sales management.”

In his new role Montagnese will have executive responsibility for the design and delivery of the integrated commercial plan in support of ACV’s core Sun markets, while providing leadership to the Sales, Marketing & Product teams.

Meanwhile as the new VP, Sales and Partnerships, Platanitis will be responsible for ACV’s overall sales and distribution strategy, with a mandate to grow and deepen the tour operator’s relationships with the travel trade and with industry partners.

Platanitis joined Air Canada Vacations in January 2015 as VP, Marketing and E-commerce, and has over 20 years of Sales and Business Development experience at Air Canada, Aeroplan, and MemberWorks.

“George is a leader who knows how to build relationships that build value.  His experience and insights will be a great asset to our Sales and Partnerships teams,” said Landry.

Platanitis will report to Montagnese and Montagnese will report to Landry. All Marketing areas will also report to Montagnese until a new head of Marketing is hired.