Dnata Travel Services appoints new Vice President of Business Development

Ailsa Pollard joins Dnata Travel Services from Leisurecorp, part of Dubai World, where she held the position of Chief Operating Officer.

During her time at Leisurecorp and in her previous role at Istithmar Real Estate, Ailsa was responsible for the business strategy, acquisition, management and divestment of a number of assets and joint venture relationships.

These included the acquisition of Turnberry, the QE2, Pearl Valley resort in South Africa and the business planning for Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President, Dnata Travel Services, said that the new position would help DTS to consolidate its position as the Middle East's leading travel management company.

He said, "This appointment is integral to Dnata Travel Services' business strategy, which is about ensuring that we are in the best possible position to weather the economic downturn and emerge as a stronger and fitter company. I believe that the businesses which will emerge the strongest from this crisis will be those that have retained their focus on long term development and growth."

"To that end, I am delighted to welcome Ailsa Pollard into the senior management team. She has a very impressive pedigree in travel, strategy, merger and acquisition and her experience will be invaluable in helping to shape the future direction of our business, ensuring that we continue to set ourselves apart from our competitors," he added.

Ailsa's previous roles include Director of the Real Estate & Hospitality Advisory group at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Middle East. She started her career as a strategic consultant with Accenture (Andersen Consulting), and spent three years working in Sainsbury's Investment Division (a FTSE 100 retail group).

Ailsa holds an MBA from London Business School & Columbia and a BSc. Hons in Managerial Studies.