Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok (2011-01-26)

BANGKOK-based ICS Travel Group co-founder Annelie Moog has returned to take the helm as the company’s CEO, replacing Kent Wiley, who left after a six-month term (TTG Asia, September 3, 2010).

Moog said Wiley was an industry outsider, brought in to “ruffle and get different views”. At the end of the day, it was important to get management with tourism background, she added.

Under her leadership, Moog said the 15-year-old DMC would revisit its roots, which focused on providing good service, product and price via a strong IT platform.

Last year, ICS restructured its sales offices in Germany and the US, and appointed new representatives in Spain, Italy and the US’ east and west coasts. It plans to appoint more representatives in other strategic markets this year.

Moog said reasonable growth was targeted for its six destinations this year as a result of a strengthened sales team, which already contributed to a business rebound last year, though not at 2007/2008 levels.

“After three years of watching over as a director, it is time for me to come back (to run the company). I fell in love with my company again,” she said.