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Mark Mariani takes on a new challenge after 18 years with Philip Morris |
US. Bluefire Wireless, which provides global roaming SIM cards and mobile communications products to the business and leisure travel retail market, has named Mark Mariani as its new President.
Armand Ventura, well-known in travel retail as the President of Digital and Wireless, has been named Chief Executive Officer of Bluefire Wireless after serving for a time as President. The two firms have a close distribution relationship.
Mark Mariani brings to Bluefire Wireless around 18 years of duty free and sales and marketing experience with Philip Morris Duty Free Inc. Most recently he was Marketing Manager, where he managed product launches and promotions for such brands as Marlboro, Benson & Hedges and Virginia Slims for all travel and non-travel trade channels.
At Bluefire, Mariani will be responsible for the worldwide growth and development of Bluefire Wireless and will focus on strategic development initiatives, the company said.
“With our increasing market share among the business and leisure travel markets, Bluefire Wireless is well positioned for strong growth and can benefit from Mark’s broad range of travel retail experience at one of the world’s largest, globally positioned companies,” said Armand Ventura.
Before his marketing role at Philip Morris Duty Free Inc, Mariani held various management roles at Philip Morris including Business Development Manager and Western Divisional Manager. As a Divisional Manager, he was responsible for regional territories representing approximately 40% of the firm’s total volume and the management of the firm’s largest airport retailer with global retail outlets. He joined Philip Morris as a US West Coast Sales Manager in 1990, a position he held for nine and a half years.
About Bluefire Wireless
Bluefire Wireless is a leading provider of cost-saving global roaming SIM cards and mobile communications products to the business and leisure travel retail market. The company claims that Bluefire Wireless Global SIM card saves travellers up to 80% on global roaming charges while travelling internationally to more than 150 countries. The firm is headquartered in New York, with offices in London and Hong Kong. Bluefire Wireless has worldwide distribution and is available in travel retail outlets. For more information, visit www.bluefirewireless.com
