Latest news with #Auteur
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- Herald Sun
Air New Zealand appoints Nikhil Ravishankar to replace Greg Foran as CEO
Air New Zealand has promoted its chief digital officer Nikhil Ravishankar as its new chief executive as the board seeks 'a new generation of leadership'. Mr Ravishankar will officially take over the top job from Greg Foran from October 20, four years after joining Air New Zealand from technology company Vector. The airline was Mr Ravishankar's first job in aviation, after an early career spent in telecommunications, tech and on boards including the Auteur influencer network. Air New Zealand chair Dame Therese Walsh said Mr Ravishankar's promotion marked the beginning of the next chapter for the airline, and reflected 'a new generation of leadership for the future'. 'Nikhil brings the mindset and contemporary leadership we need to build on our strong foundations and focus on the future,' said Dame Therese. 'The board undertook an extensive international search and were delighted to see Nikhil come through the process so strongly. His ambition for the airline's future and his people leadership skills, coupled with his pursuit of excellence, digital literacy, global outlook and relationships, and his deep care for the airline and New Zealand shone through.' She said airlines would continue to face 'immense challenges' whether that was 'climate change, customer expectations, technology, cost pressures of geopolitics'. 'Nikhil brings a fresh perspective that is grounded in New Zealand values and a deep knowledge of the airline and critical infrastructure across different sectors,' said Dame Therese. 'He's not afraid to challenge how things are done and ask questions.' Mr Ravishankar said he was 'both thrilled and humbled' to be given the opportunity to lead Air New Zealand, which he described as an 'institution with a deep legacy and a fantastic future'. 'It's a privilege to step into the CEO role and take on that responsibility for our people, our customers, and our country,' said Mr Ravishankar. 'Our airline is among the very best, and I'm excited to help shape what this next stage of Air New Zealand looks like.' Mr Foran will leave in October after a handover to Ravishankar, but as yet the former US Walmart CEO has not revealed his next move. When he joined Air New Zealand in February 2020, Mr Foran faced crisis after crisis, with Covid-related border closures all but shutting down the airline completely within five weeks of his appointment. Since the pandemic, the airline has continued to face challenges, the biggest of which concerned shortages in engine components, resulting in the grounding of up to 11 aircraft. Full year guidance issued in April, indicated Air New Zealand expected to take a substantial hit from the groundings with earnings before tax in the range of NZ$150m and NZ$190m (AU$137m to AU$173m). The 63-year-old said it was entirely his decision to leave, adding the 'board was very keen for him to stay' but he felt he 'had another itch to scratch'. 'I'm not too sure what that would be, but I'm excited, and, you know, I've worked and lived in five different countries now, and enjoy it, enjoy going to work, enjoy difficult challenges and this has been one of those,' he told The Australian in May. His legacy to the airline will be a new cabin layout for the fleet of Boeing 787s, intended to help Air New Zealand remain competitive on trans-Pacific routes. Next year, the carrier will take delivery of two new 787s fitted with the innovative Skynest feature — offering economy passengers the chance of a lie-down on ultra-long-haul flights. The six-bed stack which will replace two middle rows of economy seats, follows the success of the airline's 'Skycouch'. Mr Ravishankar is the second new airline CEO in the region this year, following Virgin Australia's promotion of Dave Emerson this year after the departure of Jayne Hrdlicka. Originally published as Air New Zealand taps insider Nikhil Ravishankar to replace CEO Greg Foran Read related topics: Climate Change
Web Release
16-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Web Release
From Hammam Rituals to Skyline Workouts , Your VIP Pass to Wellness at FIVE LUXE Awaits
From Hammam Rituals to Skyline Workouts , Your VIP Pass to Wellness at FIVE LUXE Awaits Step into ReFIVE Spa, the ultra-luxurious wellness space at FIVE LUXE, that promises the ultimate in rejuvenation. The perfect daycation spot, this plush spa offers a kaleidoscope of transformative treatments and therapies, ensuring a glow like never before. For fitness buffs, The Gym at FIVE LUXE is a 7,000-square-foot powerhouse of performance, boasting panoramic views that fuel motivation and elevate every session. Whether you're sculpting, strengthening, or stretching, this epic fitness center ensures you look and feel your absolute best. Get Your Glow On at ReFive Spa, FIVE LUXE Treat yourself to a day of pure revitalisation or gather your closest friends for a weekend of no holds barred pampering. From healing practices to head-to-toe bliss, this is your invitation to detox in style. From Golden Glow facials and ice therapy for muscle recovery to the calming Shirodhara Abhyanga, every treatment at ReFIVE Spa is designed to restore the mind and body. Indulge in tailoured massages, exclusive Hammam rituals, and bespoke facials by Auteur and Omorovicza, or boost your glow with Oxygen Therapy and Collagen Boosters. For something extraordinary, the ReFIVE Elements Experience fuses salt and crystal massage with a special take-home gift. Guests can also experience the luxurious spa pool, completing the ultimate wellness ritual at ReFIVE Spa. Location: The ReFIVE Spa at FIVE LUXE When: Daily, Weekdays: 10 AM to 10 PM | Weekends: 10 AM to 12 AM Pricing: Treatments starting from AED195 Press Kit: LINK Follow us: Instagram | Website Book Now: Call: +971 4 275 9925 WhatsApp: +971 4455 9999 Email😕[email protected] **Advance bookings are recommended. Take Fitness to The Next Level at The Gym, FIVE LUXE Crush your fitness goals in style at The Gym at FIVE LUXE – a sprawling 7,000-square-foot, 24/7 powerhouse designed for ultimate performance. Whether a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, the gym offers self-guided workouts, personal training sessions to suit every level, yoga, sound healing and more. With state-of-the-art equipment and expert guidance, it's the perfect space for all guests to achieve their goals. Whether you're into strength training, high-energy cardio, or expert-led yoga, this cutting-edge space has it all. Take your workout to the outdoor terrace, where breathtaking views of Ain Dubai, the Arabian Gulf, and Palm Jumeirah turn every session into a visually decadent one. For holistic balance, The Gym offers FLOW Yoga focusing on breath and movement, or Group Yoga for connection and decompression. For a more personalised experience, guests can enjoy a Private Yoga Class tailoured to their needs, or a Private Sound Healing Class to achieve inner peace. Wrap up your workout with a refreshing swim in the indoor spa pool, the perfect cooldown after an intense session. For ultimate recovery, try the ice therapy to soothe muscles and boost recovery, leaving you feeling recharged and rejuvenated. Sign up for a 12-month membership or grab a day pass for the ultimate fitness experience with the crew. Location: The Gym at FIVE LUXE When: Daily, Open 24/7 Pricing: Gym Day Pass starts at AED195 Personalised Self Assessment at AED 150 Indoor Gym, Terrace Gym and Spa Pool Access at AED 195 12-month Gym Membership available for AED 13,850
Forbes
08-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
While Many Wineries Close, Sonoma County Winery Grows Into New Estate
The new Auteur Russian River estate boasts expansive windows that overlook the vineyards of their famed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. At a time when several California wineries have closed their doors, a Sonoma County winery is expanding and growing with the debut of their new estate. Auteur Wines just opened the doors of their new winemaking operations and tasting room, the Auteur Russian River on Wohler Road outside of Healdsburg, CA. Auteur's owners and founders Kenneth and Laura Juhasz purchased the property in 2021, and they hired Bohlin Cywinski Jackson to design it and Earthtone Construction to build it. 'This is our second space, and our first estate property,' says Laura Juhasz, who is chief operations officer for the winery. Their first space was a 1,400 square-feet building in downtown Sonoma. But the new estate is much grander, with an investment 'in the $10 million range,' she says. The estate building is 3,000 square-feet, and it is located on eight acres of picturesque land. 'Our first space was a historic bungalow that we purchased 13 years ago, rooted right in the heart of the town of Sonoma,' Juhasz says. 'It's a cozy, soulful spot just off the square, and we'll continue hosting guests there. But over the years, we felt the pull to root ourselves deeper into Sonoma County, to find a countryside estate within the vineyards we source from.' The estate winery is designed to feel deeply connected to the terrain, Juhasz says. Natural materials, warm wood paneling, and panoramic views set the tone for a welcoming environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame uninterrupted views, while a redwood and blackened steel hearth anchors the main room. Large sliding doors open onto a covered terrace, where visitors can enjoy their wines amidst the rolling landscape. This new Russian River Estate is nestled into a hillside near the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn. 'It's a hidden gem that feels both tucked away and worth the journey,' Juhasz says. 'With a 50-foot glass wall framing expansive vineyard views and large doors that open to the terrace, the boundary between indoors and outdoors practically disappears. It's warm, welcoming, and hard to leave.' 'It's a hidden gem that feels both tucked away and worth the journey,' Juhasz says. 'With a 50-foot glass wall framing expansive vineyard views and large doors that open to the terrace, the boundary between indoors and outdoors practically disappears. It's warm, welcoming, and hard to leave.' The outdoor environment was designed by landscape architect, James Munden of Munden Fry Landscape Associates, and it was executed by Lucas Dexter of DEXTER estate landscapes. The landscape emphasizes native insectary planting to support biodiversity. Ornamental, drought-tolerant grasses begin at the entry gate and flow toward the tasting terrace, expressing a wind-swept coastal influence. The estate, Juhasz says, is designed to feel like a sanctuary, and it's filled with natural light. 'It's a place to slow down and reconnect,' she says. 'One of the most distinctive offerings is our 'Be Here Now' tasting. Wines are poured blind, without context, encouraging guests to explore their senses and engage in stillness. It's not about wine trivia — it's about presence.' Laura and Kenneth Juhasz enjoy some of the wines they make, with some seasonal, small bites created by chef Elizabeth Payne. The estate's vineyard irrigation is spring-fed, and several environmental features were added, including solar power, water-capture swales and fire-suppression systems. 'We built it to last, with sustainability and climate resilience at the forefront of the expense,' Juhasz says. 'It was expensive, yes — but purposeful,' she adds. 'This region is our home, and we've designed something that respects the land and will serve the community and the environment for decades to come.' Auteur's new opening is in contrast to the decline California wineries have seen in the past year. California saw a 4 percent drop in the total number of wineries in 2024, according to the WineBusiness Analytics Database. At the start of 2024, California had 4,949 wineries, and by the end of the year, it only had 4,727, losing 222 wineries. And within the last month, Napa Valley saw three wineries shutter their doors: Brian Arden Wines, Newton Vineyard and Twomey. 'There's no doubt; we're seeing closures across California,' Juhasz says. 'Rising costs, climate pressures, and shifting consumer habits have made this a challenging time. But Russian River remains a beacon, and it continues to attract curious wine lovers and culinary seekers alike.' Juhasz says they are committed to helping revive and grow the Sonoma County wine scene, adding that they've added new positions with their expansion, and that every employee receives 'living wages and benefits.' 'By drawing visitors to this lesser-traveled corridor of Russian River, we're also supporting nearby restaurants, artisans, and growers,' she says. 'We see a Sonoma County cultural revival on the rise. We're proud to be part of that.'
