Princess Cruises has recruited Natasha Lizardos as sales operations manager on a 12-month contract.
Lizardos, who worked for Thomas Cook for 20 years, will step into the current sales operations manger Mark Lowman’s position when he fills in for UK senior sales manager Karen Farndell in January.
As part of a temporary reshuffle, Farndell will replace Rachel Poultney, Princess’ sales director for UK & Europe, who is due to take maternity leave in the new year.
Lizardos (pictured) will report into Lowman and be responsible for online training, online and offline campaign collateral, events and communications for the trade.
Her role will be underpinned by the line’s “Princess Agent Promise”, which has three pledges: be easy to do business with; rewards its partners; and provide agents with brand knowledge.
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Lizardos was national sales and event manager at Thomas Cook, where she had also been regional cruise expert and managed various stores.
Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises’ vice-president for the UK and Europe, said: “We are delighted to welcome someone with Natasha’s skills and experience to the team with so much on the horizon for us.
“At the same time I’m pleased we are giving such talented team members as Karen and Mark the opportunity to step up.
“This is the perfect time for them to take on high profile roles as we look to further bolster our relationship with the trade.”
Lizardos added: “I bring a wealth of cruise and retail knowledge and experience from my time with Thomas Cook and look forward to engaging with all our trade partners and agents in the coming months, providing them with all the tools they need to sell this fantastic premium cruise brand.”