P&O Cruises has appointed Ruth Venn as director of sales, replacing Nathaniel Sherborne who is leaving the line in March.
Venn, who currently holds the role of senior business manager for strategic partnerships, will be responsible for travel agent sales and trade engagement.
As director of sales, she will be responsible for agent training, trade events, communications and sales support, plus growing existing agent partnerships and attracting new agents to sell P&O Cruises sailings.
P&O said Venn, who has more than 16 years in the industry, has an “infectious passion” for cruise.
Robert Scott, the line’s vice president, brand, marketing and sales, said there “has never been a more important time to prove to the trade how important they are to us”, adding that demand for cruise holidays is “stronger than ever”.
He said: “I am delighted to promote Ruth into this position and have every confidence in her ability to take on this role with relish.
“I would also like to thank Nathaniel for the many years of service in this business and wish him every success.
“Over the past two years, agents have had to communicate so many changes and new protocols to guests it has been relentless.
“Throughout it all they, as well as our guests, our agents have continued to support us despite the disruptions and we are determined to show our appreciation by giving all agents the support, training tools and strength of team they need to succeed.”
He added: “2022 will be a vital year for the business. As our full fleet returns to service in the spring and we can, at last, see some relief from Covid.
“We are seeing such positivity from those who have sailed with us recently and reassurance from the multi layered protocols on board and seeing strong interest in the Med, the Fjords and the Caribbean.”
Scott pointed to the line’s Iona ship and incoming vessel Arvia, highlighting how they “new contemporary ships” to sell to customers.
“Ruth and her team will create opportunities for first-hand experiences on board our ships and the tools they need to maximise sales,” he added.