Azamara Club Cruises sales and marketing chief Ellen Bettridge is taking over as the boss of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
She joins the all inclusive river cruise line on Saturday as president and chief executive, succeeding Guy Young who is being promoted by parent company The Travel Corporation.
Young is taking on two new roles as global brand engagement officer at TTC and president of Costsaver, the value brand of escorted tours firm Trafalgar.
Bettridge will be responsible for managing and overseeing Uniworld’s global business, including operations and financial performance, product development, guest experience, service enrichment and onboard/onshore programming.
She will also specifically focus on growing and expanding Uniworld’s business, as well as furthering its leadership and innovation in the river cruise industry, according to TTC.
Bettridge was responsible for growing Azamara’s markets in the Americas as well as developing strategic relationships with trade and marketing partners. She previously worked with Silversea and American Express.
TTC chief executive Brett Tollman said: “I have known and admired Ellen for many years. She is a superbly capable and talented travel industry professional, with an exceptional reputation and a winning track-record.
“I am confident that Ellen will make a consequential and instrumental contribution to Uniworld’s performance and success, and the team and I very much look forward to working closely with her.”
Bettridge said: “I look forward to partnering with Brett and collaborating with the entire Uniworld team to ensure the company continues to lead and maintain the standard of excellence in the river cruise industry, as well as to create innovative experiences, programmes and services that appeal to the most discerning and inspired travellers throughout the world.”