Bahamas Paradise Cruise has expanded Francis Riley’s remit by promoting him to chief commercial officer.
Riley, who joined the line as senior vice president of sales in 2019, will now also focus on boosting sales through the company’s existing channels, identifying new opportunities and building new strategic partnerships as well as his marketing responsibilities.
Chief executive Oneil Khosa said Riley had been “an outstanding addition” to the line’s senior leadership team since joining the line.
Khosa said: “During the difficult times that have faced the cruise and travel industries over the past two years, he has become someone I appreciate and consistently lean on for support, partnership and guidance.”
Less three months after joining the line in 2019, Riley was promoted to senior vice president of sales and marketing, absorbing all marketing, revenue management and contact centre responsibilities.
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The line also said Riley played “a critical role” during Hurricane Dorian and the humanitarian crisis that followed as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Riley, who is British, said: “I am grateful for, and humbled by, the faith that Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s ownership team have put in me.
“They are a terrific family to work for and have an outstanding vision for a very exciting future.
“We have a lot of work ahead of us and I know with the support of our trade partners and wonderful employees that we will be back stronger and better than ever before.”
Riley started his career with Thomas Cook working as a travel consultant before taking on other roles across the now-defunct agency business.
He later joined British Airways’ Air Miles Travel Company, prior to joining Norwegian Cruise Line in 2008 for the first of his two stints.
Immediately prior to joining Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, he held the position of senior vice president of sales at global technology provider Traveltek