Bangkok--10 Jul--airasia
AAE Travel’s Chief Executive Officer, Kathleen Tan received the “Most Influential Industry Person” Award at the China Finance Summit 2013 , held in Beijing, China. She is the first foreigner ever to accept this prestigious award.
The China Finance Summit 2013 awards enterprises and corporations of various industries as recognition to the efforts made in economic development and environment. The nominees include country-owned, private and foreign enterprises in China as well as prominent figures from every industry. The 600 attendees present at the summit included government leaders, international organizations, NGO leaders, mainstream media, industry experts, academics and representatives from global corporations.
Earlier this year, Kathleen was appointed CEO of AAE Travel, a joint venture between AirAsia and Expedia, the world’s largest online travel company. She oversees the Expedia and AirAsiaGo businesses in Southeast Asia, India, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
In 2004, Kathleen was tasked by AirAsia’s Group CEO, Tony Fernandes to “Go Change China”. Armed with a big map of China and a never-say-die attitude, she took on the challenge and started her journey of advocating the low cost airline model in China, inspiring thousands of young people to fly.
Organizers of the China Finance Summit 2013 praised Kathleen for leading the AirAsia brand to success in China. “During the past eight years, Kathleen’s strategic vision, boldness, and leadership have grown AirAsia’s revenue twenty-fold to over RM 10 Billion (US$ 3.5 Billion) in 2012. Her self-motivation and passion for the work won respect and trust from many partners in China.”
Tony Fernandes said, “Kathleen deserves this award and I am incredibly proud of her. Clearly, her commitment, energy, leadership and engaging personality have endeared her to China. She’s so passionate about the business it has won her many fans throughout the industry. Amongst them are high-ranking government officials and respected leaders from the aviation, business and media world.”
Kathleen said, “When I took on the big mission to change China, I never dreamt that I would someday win an award for my work. I am truly humbled and honoured by this award, it is such a sweet moment for me. This award is dedicated to everyone who has supported me especially my team in China. I’d also like to share this award with my 200,000 Weibo fans and last but not least, Tony, for believing in me. I hope this will inspire more women and enterprising young individuals in China to step up, work hard and keep believing. One day, your efforts will pay off.”
For more information, please contact:
Krittiyawadee Pongpanich
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Nuttawut Jitardharn
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Piyasuda Archansantisuk
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