Riviera Travel promotes Will Sarson

Riviera Travel has announced that Will Sarson will replace Katja Hildebrandt, who is leaving the business after 16 years, as their head of product river and ocean cruise.

Sarson is currently head of product strategy and long haul at the Burton-based river cruise and escorted tour specialist.

Robin Shaw said: “Will’s know-how and experience means he is ideally placed to step into this critical role. He and Katja have worked closely together over the past eight years on a number of initiatives related to both river and ocean cruises, so we have every confidence this will be a seamless transition. Will shares our ambitions to continue growing and developing our cruise programmes and we’re looking forward to him helping take the business to the next level.”

Sarson will become responsible for overseeing and scheduling Riviera’s river and ocean cruise itineraries, including planning new routes and developing current programmes. He will continue to report to Robin Shaw, chief operating officer.

Will said: “Having worked closely with the cruise team over the past few years, I know what an amazing product we have in place.  I am excited to build on all of the fantastic work that Katja has put into making our cruise offering the best in the business.”