Cunard and P&O announce changes to Partnership team

Cunard and P&O Cruises have announced that their trade sales team are to split.

The company, which currently has a joint sales force under the Partnership programme, will split the team to “solidify brand distinction”.

Alex White will continue to oversee the team until the changes are officially finalised in mid-2018. White will then become vice president of sales and distribution for P&O, reporting into Paul Ludlow.

Cunard will have a new sales team, which will be overseen by David Rousham, currently international development vice president.

Rousham will then become vice president of UK sales and international development for Cunard, reporting into Simon Palethorpe, Cunard senior vice president.

In a letter to agents White said: “Since establishing our new multi-brand sales team in 2016, together we have enjoyed two record sales years for our brands.

“P&O Cruises will welcome the largest cruise ship ever built for the UK market to its fleet in 2020.

“As we enter this period of unprecedented growth it is critical that we recognise the distinct requirements and nature of each brand and offer an appropriate level of individual support to each of our agent partners who will continue to play a vital role for our brands.

“It is for this reason that we are announcing the introduction of individual sales teams for Cunard and P&O Cruises, which collectively represents a significant increase in dedicated resource.”

With the exclusion of those currently dedicated to Cunard, all roles within the existing organisation will assume responsibility for P&O Cruises.

David Rousham added: “This is an evolution of the sales organisation and underpins the need for distinct sales requirements for each of the two brands. Getting the right guest on the right brand is vital to meet future sales needs and we are committed to making further investment to meet and grow the new to cruise audience through improved support for our valued trade partners.”

The Partnership Team name will continue to exist but will be known as the Cunard Partnership Team and the P&O Cruises Partnership Team.