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Sales Team
Steve Gerrard
Me:
I'm Steve Gerrard (not the footballer, in case you were wondering!) and I'm one of Air New Zealand's Corporate Account Managers based at our office in Hammersmith. I joined Air NZ in Jan 2008 after working for US Airways for 7 years and Cathay Pacific for 3 years.
Hobbies:
I spend most of my time looking after my 4 (yes, 4!) young children – I have two girls aged five and three and twin boys aged one. When I am not too exhausted by this I run regularly and, like my namesake, play some football – although, I have to admit, not to quite the same standard! I also like live music and go to gigs in London and festivals as often as I can.
My Last Holiday:
Was a trip to the beach in France with the family, and I am heading back there later this summer. I've always liked beaches and, while it is not as relaxing with a young family as it used to be, it still does the job! This picture (with one of my daughters) was taken whilst on holiday and celebrating my 40th birthday – notice the badge!
Most personal secret: (that I'm willing to divulge):
This is embarrassing but I have an allotment and grow my own vegetables! TAXI PLEASE FOR MR GERRARD…!
Contact Me:
Email me at stephen.gerrard@airnz.co.nz
Jo Copestake
Me:
I’m Jo, the newest addition to the team and I’m one of the Leisure Account Managers. I have always worked in the travel/tourism industry, apart from when I was 14 and did a paper round. Also to earn a few extra pennies at University I did security at the student union! Back to travel, I have spent the past 2 years working at Eurostar, before that I did 5 years at Gulf Air and previous to this worked at Thomson Holidays for 2 years.
Hobbies:
My favourite hobby is playing touch rugby. I have been playing in a mixed league with the team for about 6 years now; have even managed to score a few trys! Also love skiing and most outdoor activities and have decided this summer will be the one that I finally get my golf handicap! When it’s raining and cold outside I like to stay in and do some cooking a particular favourite of mine at the moment is homemade chicken and leek pie followed by a brioche pudding which is delicious!
My Last Holiday:
I went skiing a few weeks ago, although spent more time in the bar than on the slopes…ooops! For my main holiday I went to Thailand and Krabi which is absolutely beautiful!
Contact Me:
Email me at joanna.copestake@airnz.co.nz
Matthew Parr
Me:
I'm Matt and I joined the UK sales team in July 2008. Air New Zealand is the first airline I have worked for; after many years working on the travel agency side I decided it was time to jump the fence and join the glamorous world of aviation! As a Brit working for a Kiwi company it is my job to remind my fellow Kiwi colleagues that even though our in-flight entertainment offers a selection of classic All Blacks rugby matches with victories over Australia, South Africa and England, they have not won the Rugby World Cup since 1987. The pressure is really on for 2011…
Hobbies:
I love the great outdoors and I'm a massive sports fan however my main distraction away from work is surfing. I am also keen on fishing so when the surf is flat I often head on out to the beach in search of my supper; but when nothing bites it's off down the pub for a pie and a pint.
My Last Holiday:
Any holiday I take must have a surf beach within easy reach and when I am not on the road or in the office, you can usually find me somewhere on the north coast of Cornwall. I also love Southwest France with its great beaches, fantastic vineyards and the Pyrenees are not too far away either – perfect.
Most personal secret: (that I'm willing to divulge):
Not sure if I should mention this….I don't like flying!
Contact Me:
Email me at matthew.parr@airnz.co.nz
Duncan Ivett
Me:
Kia ora! I am Duncan and have the dubious honor of being the longest serving member of the UK team - 15 years, my goodness how time flies! (Of course I started when I was very young!!) I look after the Group Business as well as niche FIT operators and the MICE area so there is never a dull moment it has to be said!
Hobbies:
As I have matured, the draw of the disco lights in the West End has been taken over by an urge to get out into the country on long walks with friends , usually ending up at a pub for a well deserved brew! I also like nothing better than a good book and a Pinot Noir to while away a few hours and chill from a week of running around the country on sales calls. I still enjoy horse riding whenever the opportunity arises as I miss not having my own horse - not a lot of room to keep them in Chiswick!
My Last Holiday:
Working for Air NZ enables me to go to some fantastic places, my last notable holiday was a friend's 40th birthday extravaganza on Muri beach in the Cook Islands – pure bliss! I also like to explore the UK and have had various breaks away in the North East, Dorset, Peak District, North Wales and Devon – I think it is very important that you appreciate your own country.
Most personal secret: (that I'm willing to divulge):
Secrets? I don't have any. I am an open book!
Contact Me:
Email me at Duncan.ivett1@airnz.co.nz
Andrew Gamble
Me:
I’m Andrew and I’m the Team Leader for Sales Support and Groups. I may not have been born in New Zealand but having lived there for over 30 years makes me more Kiwi than a Flat White. I’ve worked for Air New Zealand for 9 years and during that time I have had the opportunity to work in both London and Auckland. I got into the travel industry as it was the only subject at school that I enjoyed (passed) and still enjoy. So between me and the team we have a wealth of knowledge about New Zealand and Air New Zealand, so ask us anything!
Hobbies:
My hobbies are anything to do with history. I drag friends to historical places of interest, the latest was Anne Boleyn’s Hever Castle and before that the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh. I like to read books that are real page turners set during America’s turbulent history, such as North and South, Soul Catcher or Gone with the Wind. I also love running and try to run at least 50kms a week which can sometimes be a struggle in the winter months.
Last Holiday:
My last holiday was in Venice with my friend Michelle and we ate more pizza and pasta than is humanly possible.
Secret Fact:
When ever I go back to Auckland my MUST DO is going to Burger Wisconsin on Ponsonby Road. They have the most delicious gourmet cheese burger and fries in the universe. It’s on par with seeing friends and family as my main reason to visit New Zealand.
Contact Me:
Email me at
Sales Support
Nick
Me:
I am fairly new to the team and came on board in January 2010. I look after UK groups so there is never a dull moment and always something going on which makes it exciting!
Hobbies:
I am a big fan of motor racing, driving and anything like that so I like to follow F1! I love Italian food so often eat out with friends, or one better and take a trip to Italy itself!
Last Holiday:
I was actually in Cornwall, spent time on the beautiful south cost in a place called Portscatho but I am planning on travelling further afield later this year, possibly America or the Far East.
Secret fact:
When I was younger, I used to be very bossy and always got my own way, just ask my brothers!
Tim
Me:
I have been with Air New Zealand for over 15years in various Jobs, sales/groups/ticket office and my final position is Business Support Executive, this role is mainly looking after our key travel agents.
Hobbies:
I enjoy travelling to learn new cultures, experience new foods and meet new people.
I love to eat good food and I am pretty competent cook if I may say so.
Last Holiday:
I was in Chile on a lovely farm surrounded by mountains. This was great as it was in the summer; I had lots of lovely fruit and sampled some amazing red wines.
Secret fact:
I come to work on my Suzuki bike in my wonderful leather outfit, this is great fun dealing with the mad people on the roads.
Ali
Me:
A Travel Industry junkie with years of experience in the Travel Industry within various fields! With a love of sun, sand and sangria....I look forward to travelling the world and making new friends
Hobbies:
I love the soaps especially Corrie and enjoy a good murder mystery read. I'm a bit of a foodie and love going out to try new restaurants.
Last Holiday:
Cyprus to plan my wedding for next year! But Brazil was last my long-haul holiday
Secret Fact:
I used to be a club rep in Ayia Napa (oh the good old days)
Christian
Me:
I have been with Air New Zealand in the UK region for three years and also spent one year in Auckland in the contact centre before I moved back to the UK.
Hobbies:
Moving house has become a new unwanted one – four times in two and ½ years well I guess I’m seeing more of London this way
Last Holiday:
My last trip was to Chernobyl!! I am known in the office to always be on holiday as I seem to spend less time in the UK than a tax exile!
Secret Fact:
I am an honorary non-kiwi kiwi
Jennifer
Me:
I joined Air New Zealand last October as Business Support Executive. I’ve worked in various roles in travel and tourism, from group operations at a travel wholesaler to sales support at another airline, and have been really enjoying settling into the UK Sales team here at Air NZ.
Hobbies:
Apart from socialising with friends, I love watching rugby and I am a bit of an All Blacks fan (so getting to meet some of the team last year was a pretty good start to my time here at Air NZ) and can often be heard chanting along to the Haka on match days.
Last Holiday:
My last big trip was six-months travelling around South America, although depressingly enough I left almost exactly a year ago. Then again, I did make my way home quite slowly via New Zealand, Thailand and Italy so I suppose I can’t really complain too much!
Secret fact:
I can lick my elbow!
