International Cruise and Excursions (ICE) is to close two of its call centres by the end of the year as it consolidates all its operations into its Stanmore offices.
The news comes as the US-based travel rewards specialist, which owns the 1st4cruising, Voyana Cruises, We Cruise and Ideal Cruising brands, confirmed that senior vice president Warren Joy is to leave the business.
Up to 25 staff in Kettering and around 50 in Cork have entered a period of consultation as all outbound call centre operations are moved to the Stanmore office. Staff in Kettering will be given the option to move to Stanmore.
The company’s inbound operations will be outsourced to Travel Solutions Group.
The move to consolidate operations in one location follows a strategic review of its European call centre business and customer service functions. The company said the decision would create “significant cost efficiencies” enabling it to remain competitive in a challenging marketplace.
A spokesman said Joy’s decision to leave the company at the end of the year was unrelated to the decision to close the call centres. The company is “reviewing its options” with regard to replacing him and will make another announcement shortly.
John Rowley, ICE chief executive and founder said: “Warren has played an instrumental role in developing our branded businesses in the UK and I would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Joy said: “It has been an exciting time to be working for ICE, but having played my part in securing numerous acquisitions and the development of the ICE Europe consumer offer, I’m now looking forward to my next challenge. Over the coming weeks I will continue to support my colleagues in driving further synergies across the brands.”