Riviera Travel has announced an important appointment by promoting Claire Hills to the newly established position of national sales manager for retail and online travel agencies (OTAs), effective 1 September. Claire has been an integral part of the company since 2021, where she commenced her journey as a key account manager.
Strategic Structural Enhancement
The appointment of Claire Hills signals Riviera Travel’s dedication to strengthening its retail and OTA channels. Claire, in her new capacity, is entrusted with managing five key account managers, ensuring that they align with the company’s broader objectives. She will be reporting directly to Vicky Billing, the head of trade and partnerships, highlighting the strategic importance of her role.
Riviera is committed to enhancing its trade sales channels, a goal Claire is well-suited to support given her extensive field-sales experience. Over two decades in the industry have equipped her with insights crucial for executing their ambitious growth plans. This move is expected to facilitate more robust interaction and support for retail platforms.
Leadership in Trade and Partnerships
Claire will work closely with Amanda Docherty, who remains as the national sales manager for homeworkers. This division of responsibility reflects Riviera’s tailored approach to different sales channels. Collaboration is a key focus, with Claire expected to harmonise efforts across various managerial duties.
Darren Mussell’s promotion to trade support manager and Maddison Glut’s role as trade support executive further complement Riviera’s strategic realignment. This team configuration aims to bolster both internal coordination and external partnerships, vital for achieving set targets.
Company-Wide Ambitions
Claire Hills expressed her enthusiasm about taking on this role during an exciting chapter of growth for Riviera Travel. The company’s travel agent partners are considered central to its broader success strategy.
Riviera’s organisational changes come amid a broader effort to realign resources and expertise for targeted market engagement. Claire emphasised, “Our travel agent partners are crucial to our success and I look forward to working with our key account managers to improve our already industry-leading trade support.” The organisational shifts make room for dynamic growth and innovation.
Riviera’s Leadership Vision
Vicky Billing has underscored the importance of a robust management structure to meet Riviera’s ambitious growth targets. With Claire’s promotion, Riviera aims to exceed these targets by leveraging her expertise and leadership.
The company’s leadership is focused on maintaining a strong market position while pursuing expansion opportunities. Billing stated, “Claire has been instrumental in our trade delivery over the last few years.” Her contribution has laid a solid foundation for future endeavours.
Strengthening Market Position
The appointment of Claire Hills is part of Riviera’s holistic effort to strengthen its position in the cruise and travel industry. Her leadership is anticipated to drive significant progress in trade sales and partnerships.
Will Sarson’s recent role as product director reflects Riviera’s ongoing strategy to enhance product offerings in line with market demands. These appointments are in sync with Riviera’s aim to better serve its clients and partners.
Investment in Human Resources
Riviera’s investment in its personnel is pivotal to maintaining its ethos of quality service delivery. By recognising potential from within, like Hills’s promotion, the company underscores its commitment to nurturing talent internally.
The strategic alignment of talents across various departments is designed to fortify the support system for key account managers and enhance overall efficiency. This investment in human resources marks a significant step towards achieving organisational goals.
Outlook and Future Prospects
As Claire Hills steps into her new role, the outlook seems promising. Her leadership is expected to bring about enhanced trade relationships and drive the company’s sales strategy forward.
Claire Hills’s promotion symbolises not just a step up in her career but a significant strategic move for Riviera Travel. Her extensive experience and strategic acumen make her a pivotal player in achieving the company’s ambitious objectives.
