Joy Caneba was named as
AirAsia Zest’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Joy who has been the
airline’s Chief Operating Officer and Accountable Manager as well as a member
of the board of directors since October 2013, assumed her new role on 01 April
2014.
A lawyer by profession
with vast experience in corporate legal matters, Joy was instrumental in
establishing Philippines AirAsia’s presence and operations in Clark International
Airport in 2011. She was also instrumental in Philippines AirAsia’s acquisition
of Zest Airways Inc. via strategic alliance in 2013, a partnership that paved
the way for both airlines to operate on a much larger scale to/from Ninoy Aquino
International Airport, the Philippines’ major international gateway.
Armed with a unique
combination of legal training, expertise and exposure to the Philippines
corporate environment, Joy led the Philippine team along the complex and
challenging regulatory environment. It was during this period that Zest Airways
successfully launched its new corporate name and fully rebranded into AirAsia
Zest, offering Filipinos more choices, better value and enhanced services across
a combined, larger network.
AirAsia Zest has become a
stronger player in the Philippines operating a fleet of 16 aircraft and
servicing domestic destinations of Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa (Palawan),
Tagbilaran (Bohol), Cebu and Tacloban in the Philippines with international
points in Asia, China and Korea.
 |
| photo from metrocebu.com.ph |
Maan Hontiveros, newly
appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of AirAsia Zest and CEO of Philippines
AirAsia, commented, "We have tremendous confidence in Joy’s expertise and
leadership. I have worked closely with her on many occasions when we started
Philippines AirAsia. The aviation industry is going to be a lot more exciting
given her fresh new perspective, impeccable work ethic and determination.”
Group Chief Executive
Officer of AirAsia, Tony Fernandes said, “We are extremely happy to see Joy leading
the AirAsia Zest team. She has been an advisor and counsel to Philippines
AirAsia during its inception and she played a key role in establishing its
brand and operations. Her knowledge of the AirAsia business, people and culture
would be a brilliant addition to the existing team as they set off to create aviation
history in the Philippines.”
In accepting her CEO
appointment, Joy Cañeba said, “I am honoured to lead a team of hardworking and
passionate individuals. Our strategic objectives as a teamremain as fundamental
today as they were they were when we signed the alliance with Philippines
AirAsia over a year ago. We are here to transform the travel industry by
staying true to our commitment to safety, integrity and excellent service.”
Joy has a degree in
Communications Management from the Assumption College of Makati City, Manila,
and finished her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Santo Tomas
also of Manila. She passed the Philippine Bar Examination in 2005 and ranked
among the top 20 passers. After her studies, she worked in law firm where she
specialized and sealed major corporate transactions involving air
transportation, business process outsourcing, mining, banking, retail, labor,
taxation and renewable energy.
