Etihad Airways has appointed Maris Kuklis as its meetings, incentives, conferences and event account manager for the UK.

He will oversee the development of the airline’s B2B MICE strategy and the growth of this sector.

His focus will be building strategic relations with key Abu Dhabi stakeholders such as the convention bureaus, convention centres, hotels, destination management companies as well as leading tourism organisations such as Tourism Australia and Etihad’s own destination management company, Hala Group.

He will be responsible for promoting Etihad Airways as the preferred airline partner to the outbound business event sector, for agency, corporate and association event organisers.

Prior to joining Etihad Airways, Kuklis worked for the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Hills Balfour, where he headed up the Dubai business events account.

James Harrison, UK general manager, Etihad Airways, said: “Maris brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge of developing both new and existing clients.

“His role will be to grow revenue even further by promoting Etihad Airways to key outbound meetings and events accounts across the UK.”

Etihad Airways currently flies from Abu Dhabi to the UK airports of London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh. The airline has been flying from the UK since 2004.

Commenting on his appointment, Kuklis said: “I am thrilled to have joined Etihad Airways at such an exciting time in the company’s development.

“During a period of significant growth for the airline, opportunities with the meetings and events industry are enormous, and I am confident that I can use my experience to ensure the success and growth of the MICE business in Abu Dhabi and cross the network.

“My goal is to play a part in the continued success of Etihad Airways in the UK, which I expect to be a hugely rewarding experience.”