Qantas today announced the appointment of Paul Yankson to the role of regional general manager UK and Ireland, effective 1 December 2010.

Qantas Group executive commercial Mr Rob Gurney said Paul Yankson would oversee all Qantas operations in the UK and Ireland.

“Paul Yankson will be responsible for all commercial and operational activities including the management of all Qantas operations at London Heathrow,” said Mr Gurney.

“The role will focus on the strategic development of Qantas Airways in the region through maximising the profitable operation, revenue growth, sales and marketing.

“Another core component of the role will be relationship development and management with key groups and partners, including travel agents, corporate clients, government, media, community, tourism, airline partners and airport organisations,” Mr Gurney added.

Paul Yankson joins the Qantas UK team having spent three years as regional general manager Central Europe for Qantas based in Frankfurt, Germany.

Prior to his role with Qantas, Paul spent 18 years in the airline and travel industry, where he has worked for some of the world’s largest airlines. From 2005 to 2007, Paul held the position of Passenger Sales Manager for American Airlines in Frankfurt. He also spent five years with British Airways developing their distribution channels within Europe.

Paul is fluent in French, German and English and is a Director of QH Tours (UK).