The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has appointed Liz Ortiguera as its next CEO effective 17 May.
She will succeed Mario Hardy, who will finish his term end of May after serving in the association since November 2014.
Travel Weekly Asia understands that Ortiguera is currently based in Singapore, but will move to Bangkok where PATA's headquarters is based when the situation allows.
PATA chair Soon-Hwa Wong said, “We are delighted to welcome Liz to the PATA family, especially as she will be the first Asian American female CEO in PATA’s 70-year history. Her extensive leadership experience across different industries in the Asia Pacific region is what PATA needs to lead the association to new heights. The executive board looks forward to working closely with her as we rebuild a more resilient, responsible, sustainable and stronger travel and tourism industry."
Commenting on her new appointment, Ortiguera said, “From crisis comes innovation and from community comes strength. PATA is even more critical as a business community today to support new partnerships, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable business practices.”
Ortiguera brings with her more than 25 years of global experience and expertise in general management, marketing, business development, and partner networking skills, across the travel and lifestyle, technology, financial services, and pharmaceuticals industries.
Her previous positions include those at Merck and American Express, where for 10 years she was the general manager for Amex's Travel Partner Network in Asia-Pacific, managing partnerships with travel management companies, MICE, and leisure agencies. Ortiguera also has experience in startup environments in software overseeing service, e-commerce, and ed-tech.