Reorganisation as Skyline Enterprises expands global Luge business

Skyline Enterprises commitment to build a new Luge operation in Calgary, Canada as part of the company's global expansion has resulted in a reorganisation of key management positions.

After 27 years at Skyline Skyrides, Rotorua, Neville Nicholson is moving from his role as General Manager to a new position as General Manager International Luge Development while Bruce Thomasen, who was responsible for opening and operating Skyline's offshore Luge operations, is coming home to take on the GM role in Rotorua.

Jeff Staniland CEO Skyline Enterprises said the reorganisation was designed to capitalise on Neville's start up skills - Neville built the Rotorua Luge operation - while offering an opportunity for Bruce to be based back in New Zealand and to further develop his skills.

"We're delighted Bruce is to step up to the role of General Manager after 9 years associated with the offshore Luge development and Neville is looking forward to establishing an operation in Calgary and focussing on future global opportunities for Luge developments," said Mr Staniland. "We are a growing organisation with aspirations to develop tourism recreation products around the world. The range of opportunities we can now offer our staff means we can retain skilled people and help them achieve their career goals as we expand."

Neville Nicholson said he was pleased to pass the baton to Bruce.

"Bruce has a long association with Rotorua and the industry. Bruce and Assistant General Manager Andrew Jensen will continue as a team to develop this iconic and outstanding operation for the benefit of all stakeholders."

Chairman Skyline Enterprises Ken Matthews acknowledged Neville's contribution as General Manager Skyline Skyrides, Rotorua.

"Neville's contribution has been significant and we are delighted he is to remain within the company and help us seek new markets. Neville has contributed much to the development of the luge, Skyline's business and indeed tourism in this country during the last quarter of a century and we look forward to his on-going involvement in his new role. He is well known in the tourism industry through his contribution and membership of ITOC (Inbound Tourism Operators Council) and TIANZ (Tourism Industry Association of NZ)." he said.

Construction of the Calgary Luge operation will begin next Canadian summer (May/June 2012) with an opening scheduled for summer 2013. The new Luge is to be constructed at the Canadian Winter Olympic site which has been developed as the Canada Olympic Park. The park includes summer activities such as mountain biking and in winter is a centre for snow sports.