Cosmos sales and marketing director Janet Parton is to leave the company to join Celestyal Cruises as vice-president of business development for the UK, Europe and Australia.
Parton, who has worked for the Globus group for almost eight years across all three of its brands, will leave Cosmos in August and start her role at Celestyal later in the summer, reporting into global chief commercial officer Lee Haslett.
As well as “developing and executing the strategic business development plan” for the UK, Europe and Australia, Parton will also build distribution to support the business as a tour provider of multi-destination rich itineraries, said Celestyal.
Commenting on her time at Cosmos, Parton said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with such an exceptional team and be part of an organisation that values its people and customer satisfaction above all.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I have received throughout my time at Cosmos, Globus and Avalon.”
A Globus spokesperson said the company will now begin the search for Parton’s replacement, to ensure a “seamless transition and the uninterrupted delivery of exceptional services to our trade partners”.
Giles Hawke, Cosmos chief executive, said: “Janet has been an integral part of our company’s success.
“Her dedication, professionalism and genuine care for our travel agent partners and our customers has been truly exceptional.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Janet for her unwavering commitment and wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”
Haslett said he was “delighted” to welcome Parton to Celestyal, adding: “I am confident that her strong business development and leadership skills, along with a keen commercial sense and a proven track record of leading and motivating high performing teams in the travel sector, will prove invaluable as we continue to broaden our presence in key markets.”