Sister brands APT and Travelmarvel have appointed David Winterton as sales marketing lead on an initial six-month contract.
Winterton, who has 35 years of industry experience, has focused on the cruise sector for the past 12 years, most recently as Emerald Cruises’ brand and marketing director.
His position at APT and Travelmarvel, which he takes up on September 12, will involve trying to turn the brands into household names in the UK, according to a spokesperson for the Australian-owned operators.
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Paul Melinis, APT and Travelmarvel’s managing director for the UK and Europe, said: “David’s contacts in the luxury cruise sector and understanding of the market are unparalleled, and his proven track record at elevating brands in this space make him the perfect addition to our team, as we drive our business forward at pace.”
Winterton, whose consultative role may be extended beyond the initial six months, will report to Melinis and head of marketing transformation Katie Elson.
A spokesperson for the brands said Winterton will “help to maximise opportunities surrounding a suite of new APT ships in Europe and Asia, and the creation of the operator’s largest-ever agency sales team”.
The spokesperson added: “Winterton will focus on making the luxury APT and flexible four-star Travelmarvel brands household names, creating new leads and prospecting opportunities, and helping the company and its agent partners to achieve their ambitious sales targets for the 2024 season.”
The brands view the UK as an increasingly important market and want to become the leaders in touring, river cruise and yachting holidays.
Winterton said: “I’ve always admired APT and Travelmarvel for being a forward-thinking, progressive company.
“Having spent time with Paul, Katie and the team, I’m very excited to join the team at such a pivotal time, with new ships launching in both Asia and Europe.”
During Winterton’s early career, he worked at Co-op Travel in retail sales and within homeworking group Future Travel’s commercial team. He also worked at Tui, before focusing on cruise.