Peter Stratton has been named as managing director of the wholesale, group and retail travel subsidiaries of the fast growing Cruise and Maritime Voyages travel group.
The business currently includes cruise, tour operations and wholesale, retail and corporate travel services.
Stratton, who bought executive recruitment specialist Simpson Recruitment in 2000, previously held sales and marketing positions at P&O Ferries and Eurotunnel.
He will continue as a director of Simpson Recruitment.
Stratton has been involved with numerous consulting projects, assisting with growth and business strategies for travel and non-travel companies, including mergers and acquisitions over the past 15 years.
He will initially be responsible for all non-cruise related business activities at CMV and expanding the company’s range of travel services, including potential acquisitions and international growth.
Group finance director, Simon Weeks, said: “Having known and dealt with Peter for many years, I am confident he can lead us on to even greater levels of success.”
Stratton will be based at the group’s UK head office in Purfleet, Essex.
CMV Holdings Group companies include: Cruise & Maritime Voyages, South Quay Travel & Leisure, TransOcean Kreuzfahrten, Viceroy Leisure, Viceroy Business, Independent Coach Travel, Motours and Smile Group Travel.