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Rocky Mountaineer appoints Mark Southern as Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer

VANCOUVER, B.C. – (April 30, 2018) – Rocky Mountaineer, the world’s largest privately owned luxury tourist train, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Southern as Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. Mark will provide oversight for rail operations, asset development, product operations and procurement and will be ultimately responsible for guest experience.

Based in Vancouver, B.C., Southern will assume his new position on May 14.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Mark Southern to the Rocky Mountaineer team,” said Steve Sammut, President of Rocky Mountaineer. “His strong operational experience in the complex aviation world combined with his history with Rocky Mountaineer makes him ideal for this role.”

Southern has over 30 years’ experience in travel and tourism including the role of Vice President of Guest Experience for Rocky Mountaineer from 2005-2008. Most recently he was Vice President Airports - North America for Air Canada where he was responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of all airport services in Air Canada’s North American network. In his role he was instrumental in streamlining processes to improve the guest experience during a period of unprecedented growth.

“I am excited to get started with Rocky Mountaineer. I have a lot of passion for the company and have watched it advance and grow since I was there over a decade ago. I look forward to once again being part of the team.”

About Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer is the world’s largest privately owned luxury tourist train and, since 1990, has welcomed more than two million guests to inhale the mountain air and let nature take their breath away. Guests can choose from over 65 vacation packages and four unique rail routes, which travel through iconic destinations such as Seattle, WA, Vancouver, B.C., and the majestic Canadian Rockies in Alberta. The unparalleled experience onboard the all domed fleet offers rich, historic storytelling, world class cuisine, and a first-hand look at the vast and untouched wild beauty of Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

Rocky Mountaineer is considered one of the best ways to see the Rocky Mountains, having received numerous international awards and accolades for service excellence. These honours include eight World Travel Awards for “World’s Leading Travel Experience By Train” and “World’s Leading Luxury Train,” and being listed as one of the world’s “Dream Trips” by Travel + Leisure magazine. With year-long celebrations planned for Canada’s 150th anniversary, and Lonely Planet naming Canada as the #1 Country in Best in Travel 2017, this is the ideal time to travel with Rocky Mountaineer and experience the country’s vast, awe-inspiring beauty.

*Access to Rocky Mountaineer’s new photo library is available upon request.

Media Contacts:

Nicole Ford
Manager, Communications
Rocky Mountaineer
604-606-8463
nford@rockymountaineer.com

Jenny McKenzie
Senior Account Executive
Citizen Relations
jennifer.mckenzie@citizenrelations.com
778-227-0274