Quark Expeditions has announced two new trade sales appointments as part of the cruise line’s strategy to “drive global growth”.
The Seattle-headquartered polar cruise specialist has recruited Becky Francis (pictured) to be EMEA regional sales director, based in London.
She joins a team headed by US-based Beth Mercier, who has been promoted to senior director of global partnership sales.
Quark Expeditions said the two appointments in its sales team “reflect the company’s continuing investment in trade sales as a pivotal driver of its global growth”.
Previously, EMEA trade sales coverage was managed from North America but the appointment for Francis in the UK means the responsibility will shift to EMEA,“with all of the advantages of her expertise and relationship depth gained directly ‘on the ground’ with travel partners across the region”, it added.
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Francis joined the cruise line earlier this month after leaving her role of sales director for TTC Tour Brands in the UK.
Quark Expeditions said in a statement: “Francis brings to the company an exceptional track record for strategic partnership development and the management of five world-class touring brands.
“Becky is an award-winning innovator in global sales training and programme development.”
Mercier has 15 years of experience in the expedition cruise industry, including five years of recent sales leadership experience focused on North America and Latin America for Quark Expeditions.
In her new role, Mercier will drive relationships with global consortia, host agencies and strategic accounts.
Thomas Lennartz, Quark Expeditions sales vice-president, said: “In their new roles, Beth and Becky will bring not just a proven ability to deliver sales results – they are both recognised as inspiring team leaders with a balanced and strategic approach to professional success.
“Together with Robert Halfpenny, our APAC regional sales director, they will set the stage as our sales organisation continues to grow to support our valued travel advisors globally.”
Announcing her new role on LinkedIn, Francis said: “The prospect of guiding and collaborating with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals fills me with immense excitement.
“Together, we’ll be charting new territories in the world of expedition travel whilst curating unforgettable experiences that redefine adventure.
“I’m absolutely pumped to dive into the world of expedition travel.
“I can’t wait to contribute and educate our trade partners across EMEA on the exciting products we have to offer.”
To support agents, the Travelopia-owned cruise line recently launched its Partner Portal offering, which includes Parker the Polar Bear, the industry’s first real-time, AI-driven virtual polar resource.