Ambassador Cruise Line has significantly reinforced its UK trade sales team with strategic appointments aimed at supporting agent partners.
- The recruitment includes four business development executives, a trade support executive, and a trade support assistant.
- Debbie Ballantyne, previously with Barrhead Travel, joins as a Business Development Executive for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Natalie Hurst and Kelly Whitefoot have been appointed as Business Development Executives for the Midlands, with responsibilities in the North and South respectively.
- Nicola Harper, head of distribution, emphasises the company’s commitment to agent support and trade partnerships.
Ambassador Cruise Line has made substantial additions to its UK trade sales team, a move intended to bolster the support provided to its agent partners. This strategic recruitment campaign includes the appointment of four Business Development Executives (BDEs), one trade support executive, and a trade support assistant. These new team members are tasked with nurturing existing commercial relationships and pursuing new partnerships, essential for maximising sales opportunities.
Debbie Ballantyne brings her expertise from Barrhead Travel to Ambassador, taking on the role of BDE for Scotland and Northern Ireland. She will report to Karen Cameron, the current deputy head of trade, until Cameron’s successor is named as divisional sales manager for the north. This appointment highlights Ambassador’s strategic focus on enhancing its presence in these regions.
Furthermore, Natalie Hurst and Kelly Whitefoot have taken up roles as BDEs in the Midlands. Hurst will cover the North Midlands while Whitefoot will manage the South Midlands. The inclusion of Jade Cheadle as the BDE for the South West and Wales further underscores the company’s commitment to geographically tailored trade relations. All three report to Louise Tansey, Ambassador’s divisional sales manager for the south.
In addition, Michelle Nairne has joined as group support executive, a role crucial for supporting group business development under the leadership of Alan Rennie, the business development manager for groups. Meanwhile, Audra Garner transitions from her previous role as reservations specialist to trade support assistant, a move that demonstrates the company’s focus on leveraging internal talent for strategic roles.
Nicola Harper, head of distribution, expressed enthusiasm regarding the new team members, indicating that their experience will provide substantial benefits to agent partners. Harper’s statement reaffirms Ambassador’s dedication to serving its partners effectively and productively, with an assurance of unwavering support from the team.
These appointments signal Ambassador’s resolute strategy to strengthen trade partnerships and optimise sales in a competitive market.
