Airshare today announced the hiring of Kate Gruell, former Vice President of Global Operations, Guest Experience at Marriott, as SVP of Experience.
Brian Randow, who most recently was Vice President of Operations at iAero Airlines (Swift Air), has also joined the company as its VP of Operations.
These new additions represent Airshare’s continued dedication towards maintaining their exceptional level of customer service during a historic period of growth for the company.
Gruell has spent her entire career in the hospitality industry, developing an expertise in enhancing the customer experience and optimizing programming, technology, design features, and brand loyalty for top luxury hotel chains including The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Marriott International.
In her most recent position at Marriott, Gruell designed and executed customer experience initiatives for more than 7,000 hotels worldwide across multiple brands.
She fills a newly created role at Airshare, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the customer journey for their fractional, whole aircraft management and charter customers. She will also assist in evolving and promoting Airshare’s family-oriented culture to attract and retain the best talent in private aviation.
Gruell will report to CMO Andy Tretiak.
“I am thrilled to join a company who shares the same passion for creating outstanding customer experiences as I do,” said Gruell.
“I believe each touchpoint during a customer’s journey with us should be special and meaningful. Airshare has tremendous potential to become even more synonymous with a best-in-class experience for customers, and to become even more well regarded as a great place to work.”
Randow is an aviation veteran who has served in several executive positions prior to joining Airshare.
While VP of Operations at iAero Airlines, he restructured the company’s Operational Control Center, dramatically impacting efficiencies for their fleet of 737 and 767 aircraft.
His team was responsible for up to 600 flights a day for distinguished clientele including professional and collegiate sports teams, the United States Government and prominent cargo companies.
Previously, Randow held roles as COO for Trans States Airlines, CEO of Ameriflight, the county’s largest Part 135 cargo airline, and COO of Compass Airlines.
As VP of Operations for the company, he will be responsible for improving operational efficiencies associated with crews, aircraft and management, ensuring that as the company grows, their customers will continue to experience the unmatched productivity and flexibility when flying with Airshare.
Randow will report to COO Alex Franz.
“I thoroughly enjoy leading operational teams and have a great love for aviation, but I’m a true analyst at heart,” said Randow.
“The challenge of getting our customers where they need to go, in the safest and most efficient manner possible, is what drives me every day.
“The investment Airshare is making in both personnel and technology to strengthen their capabilities in this area was what really appealed to me.”
John Owen, President & CEO of Airshare, says these additions to the management team reflect the company’s focus on delivering the best customer experience in private aviation.
“Since our customer base has grown significantly in the last couple years, it’s critical that we be proactive in maintaining and advancing our industry-leading experience for customers in every solution we offer,” said Owen.
“The additions of Kate and Brian to our team will ensure we go above and beyond the expectations of our customers when flying with us every day.
“Our ability to hire people of their caliber is exciting and demonstrates the bright future ahead of us at Airshare.”
