Ambassador Cruise Line strengthens its trade division with six strategic appointments.
- Four business development executives join the team, enhancing regional support.
- Debbie Ballantyne brings experience from Barrhead Travel to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- New trade support roles focus on optimizing business processes.
- The company seeks a new divisional sales manager for northern regions.
Ambassador Cruise Line, committed to enhancing its trade division, has recently appointed six new members to its team. This strategic expansion includes four business development executives (BDE), a trade support executive, and a trade support assistant, all designed to fortify support and development across various regions. The newly expanded team now comprises 13 members, reflecting the company’s focus on strengthening relationships with trade partners.
Debbie Ballantyne is among the newly appointed BDEs, tasked with overseeing operations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Ballantyne joins Ambassador from Barrhead Travel, where she served as a branch manager. Her extensive experience also includes sales roles at Iglu Cruise and Cruise.co.uk, equipping her with valuable insights and expertise to drive growth and engagement in her designated regions.
The North Midlands will benefit from the expertise of Natalie Hurst, who transitions from The Travel Network Group, where she excelled as a business development manager. Joining her is Kelly Whitefoot, covering the South Midlands, who previously held an operational management position at Aquilium Travel Group. Whitefoot’s diverse experience includes leadership roles at prominent companies such as Polka Dot Travel, Hays Travel, Thomas Cook, and Tui, highlighting her capability to manage and develop key trade partnerships.
Jade Cheadle assumes responsibility for trade relations in the South West and Wales. Her background includes a significant tenure at Tui as a travel advisor and team leader, along with diverse sales roles beyond the travel industry. Cheadle’s role will focus on fostering strong connections with partners and expanding market reach.
Michelle Nairne has been appointed as group support executive, reporting to Alan Rennie. Her move from Adrian Flux Insurance Services marks a significant transition, as she undertakes the responsibilities of contract management, allocations, and optimising group processes to seize business opportunities. Nairne’s appointment signifies Ambassador’s dedication to meticulously managing and expanding its group operations.
Audra Garner, an internal appointment from Ambassador’s contact centre, steps into the role of trade support assistant. Garner’s previous experience as a reservations specialist since June 2021 equips her with a thorough understanding of the company’s operations, enhancing the support function crucial for seamless trade collaborations.
Nicola Harper, head of distribution, commented on the expansion: “I am delighted to welcome some great new talent to the Ambassador Trade Team, which will only benefit our agent partners as we look to continue providing them with all the support and tools they need.” Harper’s statement underscores the company’s commitment to its partners, ensuring that Ambassador remains a reliable ally in fostering growth.
The recruitment of these new BDEs follows the promotion of Karen Cameron to deputy head of trade. The search continues for Cameron’s replacement as divisional sales manager for the north, a critical role overseeing trade partners in the north of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
This strategic expansion of Ambassador Cruise Line’s trade team signifies its unwavering commitment to strengthening and supporting its trade partnerships across the UK.
