Service-Driven Management

The MeritBiz Management Team works under the guidance of its Managing Director and the rest of the Executive Team to deliver best-in-class travel management services; ensuring that everything we do is focused on only one thing – our clients.

	Tristan Lockie, Managing Director, MeritBiz Tristan leads MeritBiz, the business travel division of Merit, and has been with us since 2009. He brings with him a wealth of International travel management experience, consistently implements best practices across the business unit, and is an active member of the Canadian business travel industry. He holds ultimate responsibility for MeritBiz and its clients, ensuring that Canadian and International needs and expectations are met or exceeded. His extensive experiences in information security, business development, online booking tools, and process enhancement have been valued assets to MeritBiz and our clients, delivering consistent savings and efficiencies.

	Daniela Losacco, Director, Account Management Daniela has been in business travel management with MeritBiz since 1996. For the past eight years, she has successfully managed all aspects of the Account Management and Management Information Systems department of MeritBiz, holding ultimate accountability for client satisfaction with a key focus on building lasting business relationships. In addition, Daniela leads Merit’s internal Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and was selected as an industry expert to lead a full-semester Corporate Travel Management course at Seneca College in 2010.

	Tina Rocque, Director, Operations Tina holds responsibility for the entire MeritBiz team of Travel Consultants, overseeing day-to-day service, training, customer care, online support, and process enhancements. Tina has been with Merit since 2005 and brings with her over 20 years of business travel experience. Under Tina’s leadership, MeritBiz delivers efficient and productive travel reservations, while her incredibly high standards for service consistently provide exceptional traveller experiences.

	Rita Milenkovic, President, MeritBiz Western Canada Rita manages MeritBiz in Western Canada, as well as events, high end groups, and the development of new products. A veteran of the travel industry she began her career in 1984, and brings with her sound business practice guided by an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong belief in people. Rita’s leadership skills and high expectations ensure the delivery of an efficient and effective service for MeritBiz' valued travellers.

A Culture of Excellence

The Merit Travel Group Executive Team represents a group of industry leaders who embody our corporate values. Through their years of experience, they foster a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence through all levels of Merit employees.

Merit Travel Group Executives

	Michael Merrithew, Chairman & CEO, Merit Travel Group Inc. Michael has successfully taken Merit from three employees in 1991 to now more than 500 employees at over 50 offices across Canada, representing some of our country’s leading travel brands. In addition to managing Merit’s Executive Team and overseeing the company’s growth strategy, Michael also sits as Chairman of Global Specialist Markets (GSM), overseeing a global Board of Directors and Partner representatives from over 40 countries around the world. He is heavily involved in the Canadian travel industry, serving on several key industry boards, and contributing through various speaking engagements and advisory roles. Supporting his industry experience, Michael’s impressive educational and business experience in other industries has proven invaluable in successfully growing Merit, while never losing focus of what matters most – our clients.

	Louise de Grandpré, Senior Vice President, Merit Travel Group Inc. Louise co-founded Merit with Michael 20 years ago, and has since been instrumental in managing day-to-day operations and employee relations across the company, resulting in a very low staff turnover rate and extremely satisfied clients. Louise’s background in business administration, finance, and human resources has allowed her to successfully grow the company while maintaining a corporate culture that nurtures its employees, clients, and partners, always striving for excellence.

	Mike Dawson, President, Merit Leisure Group Mike has been with Merit since 2002 and has been instrumental in the company’s growth over the last 9 years. He currently manages all brands under Merit Leisure Group which include Merit Vacations, Travel CUTS, and Adventure Travel Company, serving a broad sector of consumers. Mike has over 30 years of business experience, including 20 years in executive positions within the travel industry. Mike remains an active industry member and a valued leader to Merit’s largest business unit.

	Tristan Lockie, Managing Director, MeritBiz Tristan leads MeritBiz, the Business Travel division of Merit, and has been with us since 2009. He brings with him a wealth of International Travel Management experience, consistently implements best practices across the business unit, and is an active member of the Canadian Business Travel Industry. He holds ultimate responsibility for MeritBiz and its clients, ensuring that Canadian and International needs and expectations are met or exceeded. His extensive experiences in Information Security, Business Development, Online Booking Tools, and Process Enhancement have been valued assets to MeritBiz and our clients, delivering consistent savings and efficiencies.

	Cheryl Nicholson, Managing Director, Merit Loyalty Group Cheryl joined Merit in 2006 with over 15 years of marketing and advertising positions, five of which were spent in the financial sector with a dedicated focus on credit card programs. Today, Cheryl leads Merit Loyalty Group, managing a key client relationship with one of Canada’s largest financial institutions as well as all marketing and operational components for their credit card loyalty reward program.

	Michael Geske, Managing Director, Exclusive Tours Michael has been with Merit since 1997, and holds over 30 years of industry, and more specifically cruising experience. Today he manages all aspects of the Exclusive Tours business unit, which offers small ship cruising adventures all over the world. He remains a valued and long-standing member of the Merit Executive Team.

	Doug Paterson, Managing Director, Merit Golf & Ski Vacations Doug has been with Merit since 2010, and holds over 12 years of industry experience. Prior to joining the Merit team, Doug helped manage the Ultimate Golf & Ski Vacation brands which have since been acquired by Merit. As a former CPGA professional, Doug has a strong golf background and now manages the Merit Golf & Ski business unit which does business under a number of brands: Merit Golf Vacations, Merit Ski Vacations, Ultimate Golf Vacations, Ultimate Ski Vacations and the Ultimate Golf Travel Network.