Alshamel continues to invest in its future

18/08/2009 00:00 AST

Alshamel International yesterday announced the appointment of four senior professionals to further strengthen the companys position as the Middle Easts fastest growing Travel Management Company. As part of its growth plan, the company has also promoted several experienced professionals within the company, putting its strategies into action.

Ever since its inception in 1996, Alshamel has been investing strongly in its future and has grown from six people to almost 400 today with Alshamel Travel & Tourism becoming the most successful Travel Management Company Kuwait has ever seen.

Mrs Derin Cameron, Chief Executive Officer of Alshamel International Holding Company commented: "Despite difficult global economic conditions and their impact on the travel-tourism sector, we are in line with our expansion plans and strategies to import global expertise and best practices while continuing to invest in our most precious asset: Our people".

With over 24 years of experience with the corporate travel worlds best known brands such as, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, BCD and Amex, Benjo Van Laarhoven joins the company as Vice President of Alshamel Travel Agency. Andreas Schneider, who is no stranger to well known names such as TQ3, BCD and Amex in Europe, moves to Dubai and joins Benjos team as Regional Vice President of Alshamel Travel and Tourism, UAE & Oman.

With new team members come new ideas and a wealth of knowledge that is ready to be shared", continues Derin Cameron. "Our already multinational workforce comprising of 22 nationalities will benefit greatly from the new leadership and Alshamel once again will be in the forefront of innovative thinking and foresight. Our customers are delighted to hear that we have never lost our spirit and drive despite the global challenges and continue to work to enhance our client offerings. In addition to our investmen t in people, we have also invested in a state-of-the-art Technology platform that will greatly reduce operational redundancies and enhance efficiency across the company".

Samir Alamari has joined Alshamels team as Vice President, Information Technology. Armed with over 24 years of experience in the region, he has contributed greatly in developing the strategy for Alshamel, leveraging on technology and solutions from Cisco, Microsoft and HP. Samir comes with varied experiences in multiple industries with responsibility for the design, development, operation and support of requisite infrastructures and ERP solutions.

Mazen Hamad, Senior VP Alshamel International who is also a legacy member of the Alshamel team says: "We have not lost sight of our Leisure customers and the need for a superior Leisure product offering in the region". Maamoun Al-Otaibi, appointed as Leisure Director for Alshamel International, brings along 26 years of experience in this field.

Mrs Cameron said: "Customer feedback and demand has been the key driving factor behind this investment strategy in people and technology. Our industry is one of the oldest and most regulated industries in the Middle East. It also happens to be the fastest changing industry in the world. Our customers, time and time again, remind us of that and demand modernization.

We have taken our customers feedback very seriously and have embarked on this ambitious industry leading project with the strong backing of our shareholders. Upon completion, we will not only be able to offer a better and more cost effective business model to our customers but also provide significant value to our shareholders.

The senior appointments further consolidate Alshamel Internationals position in the Middle East as the leading Kuwait-based travel management company, bringing innovative travel and tourism services to customers across the region.

Kuwait Times