Gulf Air appoints new Regional GM for Indian Sub Continent

Gulf Air has appointed Richard Hirsch as the Regional General Manager for the Indian Sub continent.

Hirsch comes to Gulf Air bringing with him a wealth of experience of over 18 years gained from British Airways (BA) in various commercial roles.

He has held several positions at BA's headquarters and overseas, which include strategic sales roles in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He played a key role in the commercial strategic development and direction of BA in the region for the last five years. Hirsch also oversaw the airline's commercial contingency plans for the Middle East post 9/11 and the successful move to offline selling in Saudi Arabia after the suspension of BA flights to the region.

"We are pleased to welcome Richard on board," says Gulf Air Vice President Marketing and Sales Lee Shave.

"His experience within the commercial sales division will be an asset to Gulf Air and will enable us to achieve the challenging targets and objectives we have set for this region."

Hirsch, based in Bahrain, will look after Gulf Air's India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal markets.

"I am very confident that his experiences of doing business in the Middle East – a fast-growing yet highly competitive market- will help him greatly in his new position at the ISC market, which is equally challenging and rewarding," adds Shave.

A Postgraduate in Business Administration from Lancaster University, UK, Hirsch has attended a Commercial Leadership Programme at Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg.

He is married and, likes running, travelling and reading. He is also involved in charity fund-raising.  

Sourced From: Corporate Voice|Weber Shandwick