Loyalty New Zealand, the operator of the Fly Buys loyalty programme, has made three critical appointments to capitalise on opportunities that have come from one of its strongest growth years.

Chief Executive Officer Andy Symons says that the recession had led to strong growth in businesses wanting to join the Fly Buys programme, and as a result it has strengthened its Business Development, Account Management and Customer Insight functions.

Kay Mooney joins as Key Account Manager - Retail, Vince Morder as Analytics Manager and Craig Grimshaw as Head of Business Development.

CEO Andy Symons says that while a very tough trading year has been challenging for the retail sector, for many of the best in class retailers, this has led to a greater focus on recognising and rewarding loyalty customers, and using coalition loyalty programmes to attract new customers.

"In the past 12 months seven new companies have started issuing Fly Buys Points, and this growth is only escalating. The new appointments are geared with development and the continued growth of the iconic Fly Buys brand in mind.

"New Zealanders have also turned to Fly Buys in droves with a record number of New Zealanders actively engaged with Fly Buys. We've just seen the five millionth Fly Buys reward redeemed, and that's proof that rewarding customers works.

Profiles of the new starters:

Craig Grimshaw, Head of Business Development. Craig brings 17 years of varied experience in the loyalty sector to Fly Buys/Loyalty NZ. He has worked in Australia, NZ and the United Kingdom, in Airline, Energy, Banking, Health Insurance and Funds Management industries utilising his significant loyalty, relationship and strategic marketing capabilities. Craig explains, "I'm excited about growing the business of such a trusted and recognised brand. Part of my role is to get new participants, both B2C and B2B, on board, as well as encourage all businesses to use our other services like customer insights and marketing services."

Vince Morder, Analytics Manager. Vince has a background in programming, statistics, database marketing and advanced analytics. He has more than 14 years experience, gained in banking in USA at Chase Manhatten, MBNA/ Bank of America and in NZ at The National Bank and BNZ. Prior to accepting the job at Fly Buys, two months ago, he worked as a Director of his own company, Mindcast Ltd. "The opportunity to join Loyalty and lead the Analytics team as we search out new ways to unlock value in New Zealand's most extensive databases is brilliant. I am delighted to be joining this progressive and great fun organisation," Vince says.

Kay Mooney, Key Account Manager - Retail. Kay's last job was as Group Account Director at advertising agency Clemenger BBDO, where she worked on the Fly Buys account. Previously she has worked in account management and business development roles with direct marketing agencies here and across the Tasman. She has also held direct marketing roles with Mobil and the Open Polytechnic. Kay, who joins in mid-December, says, "I'm excited about the challenges the role brings, because I'll be able to pool advertising, database marketing and business skill sets together on some of New Zealand's most exciting retail brands."

All three will report to Lance Walker, Head of Fly Buys.