Aimia Names New Group Chief Executive

In Canada, data-driven marketing and loyalty analytics company Aimia, which owns the Nectar loyalty card program, has appointed David Johnston as Group Chief Executive, following the retirement of Rupert Duchesne.

Aimia offers expertise in launching and managing loyalty programs. With about 2,300 employees across fifteen countries, the firm helps client companies generate, collect and analyze customer data - through programs such as Aeroplan in Canada, Nectar in the UK, and Air Miles Middle East.

Johnston (pictured) joined the firm in 2010 to lead the EMEA business, before assuming the role of Group COO three years later, and becoming Interim Group CEO in January. Before this, he spent more than thirteen years at PepsiCo, where he held several marketing and general management roles in Eastern Europe, Latin America, the UK, and Purchase, NY. Prior to this, he spent six years at Bass plc.

Duchesne, who has retired following a medical leave of absence, worked for Air Canada and led frequent flyer program Aeroplan from the time it separated from the airline in 2002, until it became Aimia. Executive Chairman Robert Brown comments: 'As David stepped into the role of Group Chief Executive, he quickly and clearly demonstrated his leadership skills and deep understanding of the business and industry. Rupert's immense contributions to this company as a leader and a colleague will be sorely missed. His ambition for Aimia as a leading Canadian company has shaped its distinctive character'.

Web site: www.aimia.com .