New crew: May 2017

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines hires new head of sales

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has appointed Mike Evans as its new head of sales. Evans has been promoted from his previous role as sales manager – independent retail, and will be responsible for managing Fred Olsen’s UK sales teams, as well as further developing relations with the travel trade.

He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on this role at a time when we, as a business, are looking to engage with the travel trade even more than we have done in the past few years.”

Justin Stanton, sales and marketing director, said: “With his broad industry experience, extensive knowledge of Fred Olsen’s unique style of cruising, and excellent reputation with our travel industry partners, Mike was the obvious choice for this key position.”

Scenic names Colin Downing as UK general manager as Chris Townson departs

Colin Downing has been appointed UK general manager at Scenic. Managing director Chris Townson has left the cruise line with immediate effect.

Anna Wolfsteiner, senior vice-president for international sales and distribution, said: “Colin is a very experienced manager, who has recently been working for us on a number of group projects and I am pleased to announce his appointment to head up the UK team.”

Downing added: “As one of the world’s leading tour and river cruise companies Scenic and Emerald Waterways are a very exciting business and one I’m proud to be part of. We have some great people in the team alongside best in class products.”

Downing has more than 35 years’ experience. He has worked for brands such as Riviera Travel, The Late Rooms Group, Merlin Entertainments, Legoland  and MyTravel.

Celebrity Cruises appoints UK and Ireland trainer

Celebrity Cruises has expanded its agent training team with the appointment of Emma Rigby to the newly created role of UK and Ireland trainer. Rigby has worked for Celebrity Cruises since 2014 as part of the ship-based guest relations team, including working on board Celebrity Eclipse. Claire Stirrup, director of sales, said: “Emma brings the most incredible ship knowledge and expertise.”

Insurance firm AllClear strengthens trade focus

Andrea Norris has been appointed head of business development insurance company AllClear. Norris, who was at Affordable Car Hire and spent 21 years at Holiday Extras, has been hired to strengthen the company’s relationship with the trade, especially cruise agents. Chief executive, Chris Wacey, said: “Andrea’s reputation, wealth of experience and expertise put her in an excellent position to help drive business within certain key sectors, notably cruise.”