Former Virgin Holidays Cruises boss Richard Twynam has been named as the first UK managing director of Azamara Club Cruises.
He will lead a new 10-strong team dedicated to the two-ship destination-focused cruise company.
Twynam brings almost 20 years of experience in the travel industry with him, having held senior positions at companies such as Air New Zealand, Tui UK, Kuoni and Virgin Holidays Cruises.
The appointment follows parent company RCL Cruises Ltd’s move to evolve its UK and Ireland business structure in response to business growth.
There will be three dedicated businesses from January 1; however Twynam will continue to work in partnership with Royal Caribbean International managing director Stuart Leven and his Celebrity Cruises counterpart Jo Rzymowska.
Former RCL Cruises commercial planning and analysis chief David Duff becomes commercial director for Azamara in the UK.
Duff is joined by a business analyst and an air and inventory team member.
The new commercial team will aid agents in planning pricing, itineraries and strengthen the brand among British and Irish holidaymakers.
Twynam will also oversee a three-strong sales team and a marketing communications and PR manager. The sales and marketing team will be supported by a trade marketing executive.
Azamara president and chief executive Larry Pimentel said: “The UK and Ireland market continues to be one of the largest and most important for Azamara Club Cruises and is going from strength to strength.
“We are excited to welcome Richard Twynam to lead this evolution as we continue to grow and invest in our business in the UK. Now is a really exciting time for the business as the expansion continues.”