Ambassador Cruise Line has expanded its UK trade sales team, bringing in six new professionals to enhance partnerships.
This strategic move aims to boost sales and develop new alliances across the UK.
Expansion of UK Trade Sales Team
Ambassador Cruise Line has significantly enhanced its UK trade sales team with the recent recruitment of six talented new members. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening existing commercial partnerships, as well as facilitating the cultivation of new alliances.
The team now comprises 13 skilled professionals, each with a dedicated role to foster and maximise sales opportunities within their designated regions. The additions include four new Business Development Executives (BDEs), a Trade Support Executive, and a Trade Support Assistant.
Key Appointments Across Regions
Debbie Ballantyne, formerly from Barrhead Travel, takes on the role of BDE for Scotland and Northern Ireland. This key appointment is expected to bridge regional sales efforts and enhance local market penetration.
She will report to Karen Cameron, Ambassador’s deputy head of trade, who has been promoted recently. Together, they are poised to drive sales and develop robust trade strategies tailored to their geographic focus areas.
Natalie Hurst also joins the team from The Travel Network Group as the BDE for the North Midlands. Alongside her, Kelly Whitefoot will focus on the South Midlands. Their recruitment addresses specific regional requirements and offers tailored support to agent partners.
Strategic Alignments in the South
Jade Cheadle joins as the BDE responsible for the South West and Wales, reinforcing Ambassador’s commitment to expanding its market footprint across this vital region.
Her role involves developing strategic relationships with trade partners, ensuring alignment with Ambassador’s overarching sales objectives and supporting sustained growth.
Louise Tansey, the divisional sales manager – south, oversees these efforts, orchestrating activities that contribute to Ambassador’s strategic ambitions.
Michelle Nairne’s role as group support executive further exemplifies the growth within the teams, as she provides essential backing for group sales operations under the guidance of Alan Rennie.
Strengthening Trade Support
Audra Garner’s shift from a reservations specialist to a trade support assistant underscores Ambassador’s internal talent progression. This strategic move is designed to bolster trade assistance capabilities.
Audra’s transition is seen as a move towards enhancing operational effectiveness, ensuring that trade partners receive the necessary support and tools.
This internal alignment reflects Ambassador’s commitment to nurturing talent and maximising internal resources to achieve strategic objectives.
Leadership Reflections on Team Expansion
Nicola Harper, the head of distribution at Ambassador Cruise Line, expressed her enthusiasm about the new hires: “I am delighted to welcome some great new talent to the Ambassador trade team, which will only benefit our agent partners.”
Nicola’s comments highlight the importance of experienced professionals in driving the company’s goals forward, particularly in achieving effective and productive partnerships.
She emphasised that the newly invigorated team is poised to provide unmatched support and resources tailored to meet the specific needs of trade partners.
Future Directions and Goals
The recruitment initiative follows Karen Cameron’s recent promotion, which signals a pivotal shift in Ambassador’s approach to trade relationships.
The company is actively seeking a replacement for her previous role as divisional sales manager – north, demonstrating ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership.
This proactive strategy is indicative of Ambassador’s commitment to maintaining momentum and achieving sustained growth across its trade partnerships.
Ambassador Cruise Line’s enhanced team is well-positioned to drive growth.
With a focus on strategic partnerships, the company looks set to strengthen its market presence.
