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Best of the Back Catalogue 2020: Paul Smitton on Asia Miles, Innovation & the Future of Airline Loyalty (#798)

Let's Talk Loyalty··29 August 2026·52 min

About this episode

This episode is sponsored by Epsilon.Loyalty Buyer's Guide from Epsilon - a free practical guide to help you evaluate loyalty platform options. Download it here now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------As part of our Best of the Back Catalogue, we’re revisiting a fascinating conversation with Paul Smitton, now President, International and Partnerships at Ascenda and formerly CEO of Asia Miles ( now Cathay / the Cathay Membership Programme.)A true loyalty industry veteran, Paul shares insights from his remarkable career, from his “baptism of fire” building Air New Zealand’s first loyalty programme in 1991 to leading one of Asia’s most recognised loyalty programmes, Asia Miles.In this episode, Paul explores the importance of customer focus and innovation, sharing his thinking on blockchain, WhatsApp and the evolution of Asia Miles’ partnerships across dining and eCommerce.It’s a great conversation filled with practical insights, memorable stories and a powerful reminder of what it means to have a true loyalty mindset.The episode was released in 2020.Show Notes:1) Paul Smitton2) Cathay / the Cathay Membership Programme3)#65: Paul Smitton talks Asia Miles, Innovative Ideas in Airline Loyalty and Preparing for Travel's Inevitable Rebound