ASATA appoints new GM
Dynamic industry go-getter Kim Koen joins the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA) as its General Manager in October.
With 20 years’ experience in the travel industry, working with both private and government stakeholders, Kim most recently led research firm Kitso Consulting and was instrumental in the development and drafting of the travel procurement strategic framework between industry and government in conjunction with ASATA.
In her new position at ASATA, Kim will be providing a senior support role to CEO Otto De Vries and will assist in delivering on the association’s key objectives and mandate.
“This new position allows me to further strengthen the meaningful relationships I have both professionally and personally within the industry. I thrive on new challenges and am looking forward to helping position ASATA members as the consumer channel of choice in the future,” says Kim.
Kim’s industry experience will be invaluable in ASATA’s efforts to deliver on its strategy of compliance, consensus and confidence within the travel industry, adds Otto. “ASATA has had the privilege of working with Kim on a critically important strategic project and we believe her contribution will further build on the work we have done to support our members as they evolve to meet the changing needs of the 21st century traveller. We wish her every success in her new role.”
All About Kim
Kim is an entrepreneur and dynamic industry player having worked at leading South African travel companies including HRG Rennies Travel and American Express.
Kim most recently ran the management consulting division of HRG Rennies Travel, completing market research projects, implementing technology solutions and creating new technology platforms for businesses in various industries. A highlight within this role was the creation, implementation and management of the strategic framework upon which the relationship between the tourism industry and government is built.
Within her various roles, Kim has worked with profitability management, implemented company strategy, managed strategic and global customers and managed teams’ outputs for the implementation of new business.