This is a roundup of announcements related to people moves and business expansions in travel in April 2018.

Thursday April 26, 2018

Travelport moves

• The distribution giant says Simon Ferguson, currently responsible for Northern Europe, will become managing director, agency commerce, for the US, Canada and Latin American. He replaces Bret Kidd who will take up a different role in the company. for the region which spans the United States, Canada, and Latin America. Damian Hickey, will take over as managing director, agency commerce, EMEA. He replaces Rabih Saab who left earlier this year. Hickey currently looks after Travelport’s air commerce in APAC and will relocate to the UK.

Wednesday April 25, 2018

WayBlazer recruits CPO

• The company has recruited Adam Prishtina as its first chief product officer. Prishtina, who previoulsy held product management roles at PayPal, Yahoo and AOL, will help further WayBlazer’s work helping travel brands to create a seamless search and booking experience through personalized travel recommendations.

Monday April 23, 2018

Thayer Ventures appoints Katherine Grass

• The company which solely focuses on travel and transportation innovation has recruited Katherine Grass as venture partner. Grass will help the company find promising startups in Europe and Asia. Grass was most recently global head of innovation and ventures at Amadeus Group.

Black Box opened for business travel consultancy

• Raj Sachdave, who was formerly director of commercial partnerships at Capita Travel and Events, has launched Black Box Partnerships, a consultancy for travel management companies, event agencies, and travel industry suppliers.

Hostmaker brings in James Lemon

• The homestay management company has appointed James Lemon as chief operating officer. Lemon was previously vice president of commercial strategy at Travelport. Hostmaker announced funding of $15 million last November saying it planned to expand with a particular focus on Asia.