Groupe Aeroplan recruits PepsiCo chief
Groupe Aeroplan has named PepsiCo marketer David Johnston as president and chief executive officer of its European division.
He also takes the title executive vice president, Groupe Aeroplan and joins the Board. The company has just bought Carlson Marketing and also owns LMG Insight & Communcation and the Nectar loyalty card.
Johnston joins from Pepsico International, where he most recently held the position of general manager, Quaker Tropicana, UK, and previously vice president beverages marketing – Europe.
Johnston will be based in London and have leadership responsibility for Groupe Aeroplan’s European-based businesses.
He will also oversee Rewards Management Middle East, the operator of Air Miles programs in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, and the new coalition loyalty program in Italy to be launched during the first quarter of 2010. However, his role will exclude leadership responsibility for any Carlson Marketing businesses.
He joins the company in January next year and will report directly to Rupert Duchesne, president and chief executive officer of Groupe Aeroplan.
“This appointment marks an important step in the growth of Groupe Aeroplan’s position as the leading global loyalty management provider,” says Duchesne. “With David’s proven knowledge of the market, impressive international experience and well-honed leadership capabilities, we have added significant power to our talent base in Europe.”
Also joining the company’s European Advisory Board are Ian Filby, formerly trading director of Boots, who has been supporting Groupe Aeroplan-Europe as interim chief executive officer since July 2009 and who will ensure a smooth transition of leadership until February 28, 2010.
