Nombramientos

🛩 Boeing faced turmoil following the crash of Lion Air's first 737 Max, spurred by whistleblowing employees who leaked information to the press. The company initially retaliated against these individuals, which included both well-meaning and opportunistic staff. After the media circus, Boeing's leadership changed twice, with Dennis Muilenburg and then Dave Calhoun stepping down. Whistleblower John Barnett, a former Boeing supervisor who exposed flaws in the 787 Dreamliner's management and was subsequently harassed and fired, committed suicide before he could testify in court. His family has filed a lawsuit against Boeing, alleging mistreatment leading to his suicide. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated profound changes in the 787's production due to chaotic conditions. Further scandals, such as the incident with an Alaska Airlines plane's emergency exit door, contributed to Calhoun's departure and calls for Boeing's reinvention, now led by Kelly Ortberg. Barnett's family is now among those seeking significant compensation from Boeing.

🚿 Matthias Schmid of Booking.com asserts that hotels have always been free to make their own decisions regarding their business with Booking.com, and claims no harm has been caused to partners. Booking.com challenged a CNMC decision with the Audiencia Nacional, which suspended the decision, obligations, and proposed sanction during the appeal. Schmid emphasizes a TJUE ruling from September 19 is misinterpreted, as it does not deem price parity clauses illegal or necessarily harmful, nor does it support claims for damages.

🏨 JCI Talent Search's LinkedIn post on executive interest in joining hotel chains amid generational shifts gathered over 20,000 views in a few hours. CEO José Contreras reports clients undergoing organizational changes at General Manager and Corporate Director levels across Spain, including Madrid, Catalonia, Cantabria, Andalusia, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. Opportunities are aimed at stable, experienced professionals for long-term roles within economically solid companies seeking candidates aligned with their philosophies.

📍 Gabriel Escarrer recently spoke at the presentation of the Solytur program in Madrid, marking a strong institutional declaration as president of Exceltur. Criticizing Spanish political leaders' capabilities without naming them, he spared only Ayuso. Escarrer also targeted Airbnb for unregulated tourist accommodation. As he prepares to leave Exceltur, his successor faces a significant challenge, especially after replacing the long-serving executive vice president with Oscar Perelli. Escarrer's impact at Exceltur contrasts with Jorge Marichal's less successful and low-profile tenure at the hotel association.

💼 Isabel Pardo de Vera, former State Secretary of Transport and ex-president of Adif, has joined the private sector with ACS, led by Florentino Pérez. Her advisory role comes after a two-year public service incompatibility period, which forced her to decline offers, including one from Air Europa in 2023. Her ACS position, not requiring conflict of interest clearance post-restriction period end on February 21, offers a €400,000 annual salary. Pardo de Vera rejected a spot on Revenga Ingenieros' board in July 2024 and Asval's presidency in December 2023. Since her 2023 cessation, she received approximately €80,000 in government severance and advised Swiss fund Ginkgo.

🚀 Iryo, facing a potential loss of employees to rival Renfe in early 2024, has doubled the salaries of its train drivers. Initially earning around €1,800 monthly, the first cohorts of Iryo's Italian company now make about €3,300, including bonuses and allowances. Ouigo, too, has revised its salary scales, with annual wages ranging from €20,000 to €50,000, aligning with Renfe's pay structure.

🏢 Fernando Martínez Comas joins KPMG Spain as the partner in charge of Tourism, succeeding Luis Buzzi. With over 25 years of experience in Commercial Law and M&A, mainly in the tourism sector, he advances from Deloitte, where he led Fiscal and Legal areas in the Balearic Islands and was the national head of Travel, Hotel, and Leisure practices. His appointment is seen as a significant boost for KPMG's advisory capabilities in the strategic regions of Balearics, tourism, and real estate.

📌 KPMG strengthens its team with the recruitment of Fernando Martínez Comas as the new partner responsible for the Lawyers' area in the Balearic Islands and partner in charge of Tourism in Spain. Martínez Comas joins from Deloitte, bringing over 25 years of experience in commercial law and M&A, and having served national and international hotel chains, and key tourism groups. His career began at Garrigues before joining Deloitte in 2010. Alberto Estrelles, partner director of KPMG Lawyers, highlights that Martínez Comas' arrival is a significant boost, particularly for strategic sectors like tourism and real estate in the Balearics.

🏩 Iberia now controls 50.1% of Level, with the remaining 49.9% held by parent company IAG. Level, operating under Fly Level Barcelona LH SL, is gradually separating from Iberia and will finalize this process by 2025, which includes presenting its own accounts. Level holds an AOC and seeks operational permits for the US, Argentina, and Chile, planning to operate under the code LL. The airline's fleet includes seven planes and will add another in 2026. In 2023, Level increased its capacity by 17.8% and plans another 13% increase in 2023, above IAG's 3% estimate. In 2024, Level transported 846,000 passengers, 0.7% of IAG's total traffic, and established year-round flights to Miami, servicing seven American cities.

💡 Airbnb host from Palomino, Colombia, @fiorepinzon on TikTok, experienced a drop in booking volume after receiving a 2-star review from Vienna guests in mid-September. Started on Airbnb with consecutive 5-star ratings praising accommodation quality. Guests struggled with Google Maps directions without internet and complained about mud accumulation outside the house due to rainstorms. Female guest apologized but couldn't change the review, impacting subsequent reservations for two weeks.