Kay Davidson, relationship marketing manager, P&O Cruises
Education: eight O’ levels, three A’ levels, 2:1 degree in history from Exeter University.
Training post-graduate diploma in marketing, various marketing and direct marketing courses, internal management courses plus on-the-job training.
First travel job: area sales executive for Princess Cruises. In at the deep end calling on travel agents across the Midlands and East Anglia.
Career path: joined Princess Cruises to see the world. After a thorough two-year grounding as a rep, Kay moved into the marketing department to work on all aspects of marketing services such as brochure production, direct marketing and PR. In 1994 Kay switched over to sister company P&O Cruises to join the team working towards the introduction of Oriana. A whirlwind 18 months culminated in the ship’s launch and inaugural events. Building on communication, event management and PR experience led to working on the retirement of Canberra and the introduction of Arcadia. The current role is a dual one with responsibility for developing more effective lines of communication with both passengers and prospects. Plus, there is the introduction of the next P&O ship, Aurora, to look forward to in 2000.
Advice for people wishing to develop a career in travel: “Don’t miss any opportunity to broaden your horizons – both from others within the travel trade and from outside the industry. Keep an open mind to new ideas and expect to work harder than anyone told you you would.”