Dohop appoints chief strategy officer as it expands virtual interlining beyond air

The Icelandic technology firm appoints former Iata senior manager Oana Savu to lead strategy as virtual interlining model is extended other forms of transportation 

Virtual interlining provider Dohop has appointed a former Iata senior manager to lead strategy at the Icelandic technology company.

Oana Savu will be based in Geneva and will join the firm’s executive team to define the strategy as Dohop evolves from focusing on aviation to other forms of transport.

At industry body Iata, she was a senior manager of future interline partnerships, responsible for managing a new programme of intermodal partnerships and connectivity.

With over 16 years of airline industry experience, she was previously involved in supporting the airline industry in the adoption of new distribution standards (NDC and ONE Order) at Iata and prior to that at Amadeus.

David Gunnarsson, chief executive of Dophop, said: “As our business has grown over the last few years to servicing over 50 airline partners around the world, we felt now was the right time to appoint a chief strategy officer as we seek to be the leading travel connectivity partner not just for aviation but for any transport method.

“Oana’s extensive industry experience and knowledge based on her responsibility for interlining partnerships at IATA made her the obvious choice for the role and we are very happy to have her on board.”

Savu added: “Interline and intermodal partnerships are essential in expanding networks and providing better connectivity for the travellers. 

“More innovation is needed in this space, and I strongly believe that Dohop has the right vision, experience and assets to continue to offer ground-breaking solutions to carriers to increase and simplify these new connections. 

“I’m excited to join this talented team in their mission to revolutionise travel connectivity. 

“We will be working together to shape and execute the company’s business strategy with the objective to continue expanding the business and driving change in the industry for the benefit of everyone involved in the travel ecosystem, including not only the carriers and intermediaries but also travellers.”