P&O Cruises has expanded its sales team with the creation of five roles as it aims to bolster support for agents.
The cruise line’s capacity grew by 41% with the arrival of Iona in 2021 and Arvia last year, creating a seven-strong fleet.
It is hoped the new appointments in the sales team will lead to more sales in the north, west and east of England.
More: P&O Cruises to bolster trade sales team with four appointments
Sales director Ruth Venn said: “Working with travel agents is critical to our success and these new roles will help us grow our existing partnerships further while working with new agents who are not yet selling cruise holidays.”
The new roles are filled by Lynsey Roberts, Suzanne Arnold, Laura Gray, Cara Hayward and Kane Keating.
Pictured: clockwise from top left: Lynsey Roberts, Laura Gray, Cara Hayward, Kane Keating, Suzanne Arnold
Roberts, who was most recently commercial manager for Marella and Tui River Cruises, joins as business manager of partnership development.
She will be responsible for a team of three partnership development managers – Arnold is covering the north, with Gray covering the west and Hayward the east. Hayward had previously been the national partnership development manager.
Arnold, who joins from Ramsay Health Care UK, previously held roles with Disney Destinations, JTA Travel, USAirtours and If Only.
Gray has worked for P&O Cruises for 18 years, with her most recent position being partnership executive. The role saw her supporting agents with their P&O Cruises sales and marketing.
Keating joins the company as regional training and engagement manager. He will be responsible for regional face-to-face training in conjunction with the national and online training strategy.
Keating started his career with Thomas Cook, spending 12 years in sales, management and learning and development roles. His most recent position was with Travelsphere Holidays in cruise operations and training.
Venn said: “I am delighted to welcome Lynsey, Suzanne, Laura and Kane to the P&O Cruises sales team. They each come with a wealth of experience in travel and an ambition to increase the support we offer our travel agent partners.”
She added: “We are always looking to support our travel agent partners by listening to their needs and helping them to understand the P&O Cruises guest experience.
“The expanded regional team demonstrates our commitment to the trade and means we can offer more support and increase face-to-face training opportunities.”
Photo: Ruth Venn, P&O Cruises sales director