Commenting to Open Jaw following the announcement of her retirement this spring, Vice-President, Marketing and Industry Relations at Transat Distribution Canada, Susan Bowman, said, "Retirement is bittersweet after more than four decades in an industry that I love.
"However, I made the choice to retire so that I can enjoy life to the fullest. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?" she added.
Open Jaw president Nina Slawek said, “Susan Bowman has been such a big part of our retail landscape and a wonderful colleague to many. She will be greatly missed.”
The announcement of Bowman's retirement in APR after 12 years with Transat was made in an email 22FEB from TDC General Manager Karine Gagnon to advisors, describing Bowman's career as "impressive" in her roles in marketing, sales, industry relations, operations and loyalty, and as "an essential asset to our leadership team."
Gagnon goes on to say:
"Her keen eye for opportunity, her constant focus around customer experiences and her passion for what she likes to call "home" (Transat) have made her a key player in our organization...
"In recent years, Susan brilliantly paved the way to integrating new digital tools and promotional programs, enabling TDC's Travel Professionals and travel agency owners to be best positioned and equipped to take on the pent-up demand for travel. In 2022, she led negotiations that won TDC its membership with Virtuoso, one of the world's most prestigious luxury travel programs. Susan has also been responsible for the Agent@Home program, and her last notable project will be the launch of TDC's digital gift-card program planned for early April.
"On behalf of our entire team, I would like to sincerely thank Susan for her commitment and contribution to TDC and Transat over the years. Always striving for excellence, she will have left her mark, and I am certain that she will be missed by our colleagues as well as our travel agency owners. Her last day will be April 7. I would like to wish Susan a very happy and well-deserved retirement as she enters this new stage of her life."
Gagnon added that a recruitment process to replace Bowman is underway.
