Blue Bay Travel has hired Stacey Sanderson as senior cruise product manager as part of a raft of appointments and promotions, including Greg Armstrong’s move from product management director to chief commercial officer.
Sanderson (pictured), who will join on April 15, has 25 years of experience in the cruise sector and has held senior positions at brands including Scenic, Emerald Cruises, Cruise Club UK and Cruise 1st.
She will be tasked with developing Blue Bay’s cruise offering by building relationships with operators.
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Armstrong (pictured) said recruiting Sanderson would “undoubtedly accelerate” the company’s growth in cruise.
He added: “One of our primary goals this year is to grow our cruise market share, so it was essential to make the right hire for the senior cruise product manager in order to hit the ground running. We know Blue Bay is a very attractive proposition as a new-to-cruise operator.”
Armstrong, who will now sit on the company’s board, has been chosen to lead a newly formed product and commercial centre.
In line with this move, Nicky Streeter has been appointed as senior commercial manager, tasked with developing relationships with tour operators and airlines, while Steve Silver takes on the role of senior product manager in charge of Blue Bay’s exclusive contracts.
Completing the commercial shifts, Alice Whalley moves to commercial executive and will support Streeter.
As part of the company’s wider shake-up, Charlotte Wilson has been recruited to the newly created role of head of marketing.
India Barker, who joined Blue Bay as part of the company’s ‘New to Travel’ intake in 2022, has been promoted for a second time and becomes sales team leader in recognition of her “exceptional performance and dedication”. At 22 years old, she will oversee half of the employed sales team.
Sunny Gill, a member of the trade team, will become central operations manager. He will be responsible for overseeing business operations and providing dedicated support to trade partners.
Blue Bay chief executive Alistair Rowland said: “These appointments and promotions underscore our commitment to fostering talent, driving innovation and delivering unparalleled experiences to our customer.
“Stacey joining as senior cruise product manager in particular highlights an exciting expansion area for our business, ensuring we can fulfil the customer desire for cruising at a great price, which our clients have come to expect.
“Greg Armstrong’s promotion to chief commercial officer shows our commitment to scaling our business as an operator of choice for consumers, both existing and new.
“We are confident that, with the level of experience and leadership in our team, Blue Bay will continue to thrive and set new benchmarks as one of the fastest growing specialist operators in the travel industry.”