Crystal Cruises has announced strategic hires to enhance trade support underlining commitment to growth in key regions.
- Ryan Bishop, a former cruise director, joins as UK regional sales manager, leveraging extensive experience with Seabourn and Viking.
- Ana Torres strengthens the UK & EMEA team as inside sales executive, transferring key skills from a luxury hotel brand.
- Michael Steffl assumes the role of EMEA sales director, bringing over two decades of trade sales expertise from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
- The luxury line is actively expanding sales staff to provide tailored support and seize opportunities in diverse markets.
Crystal Cruises has strategically boosted its trade support team with the appointment of three seasoned professionals. This move underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its sales footprint across key regions, a decision aligned with its broader strategy to facilitate growth in crucial markets.
The latest recruit, Ryan Bishop, steps into the role of UK regional sales manager. Drawing on his extensive background as a cruise director for prominent lines like Seabourn and Viking, Bishop is well poised to strengthen the company’s engagement within the UK market. His reporting line will be to Stephen Joyner, the UK & Ireland senior sales manager.
Additionally, Ana Torres joins as an inside sales executive for the UK & EMEA regions. Formerly associated with a luxury hotel brand, Torres brings valuable experience to the London-based inside sales team, now bolstered to a total of three members. Her responsibilities include supporting the reservation system and collaborating with key account partners and General Sales Agents.
Michael Steffl, a veteran with over twenty years of experience at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, assumes the position of EMEA sales director. His focus will span Continental Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where he will oversee trade sales distribution. Steffl’s deep understanding of the cruise sector is expected to play a key role in enhancing Crystal Cruises’ presence in these markets.
Matias Lira, the LATAM, UK & EMEA trade sales senior vice president, highlighted the importance of these appointments in a statement. He expressed enthusiasm about expanding sales presence within the UK and EMEA, suggesting that personalised support is crucial for unlocking opportunities in these regions. Lira further mentioned ongoing recruitment efforts to strengthen support in other key areas.
These appointments mark a significant step in Crystal Cruises’ strategy to extend its reach and enhance support in pivotal regions.
