Riviera Travel has announced a significant leadership change with Sarah Fowler being appointed as the new Marketing Director, effective from 1 July.
- Sarah Fowler succeeds Simon Michaelides, who is leaving Riviera Travel due to family obligations, inheriting his responsibilities in brand, marketing, web sales, insight, and digital.
- Previously head of brand marketing and ecommerce at Riviera, Fowler brings with her experience from her former role at Azamara.
- Sarah Fowler will report to CEO Phil Hullah and join Riviera Travel’s executive team, marking a strategic step in the company’s leadership structure.
- This transition occurs during a pivotal time as Riviera Travel seeks to expand its footprint as a premier provider of river cruises and guided tours.
Riviera Travel is poised for a transformative leadership transition with the appointment of Sarah Fowler as the company’s new Marketing Director, effective 1 July. She will be taking over key responsibilities from Simon Michaelides, who has been serving as Chief Customer and Strategy Officer but is stepping down due to personal family commitments. Fowler’s new role will encompass oversight of all aspects of brand, marketing, web sales, insight, and digital operations, reflecting a strategic consolidation of leadership capabilities within the company.
In her prior capacity, Sarah Fowler served as the head of brand marketing and ecommerce at Riviera Travel, where she demonstrated an adept ability to enhance brand presence and digital engagement. Her professional journey also includes a significant tenure as the UK and Ireland head of marketing and PR at Azamara, equipping her with a breadth of experience that is instrumental for her new role at Riviera.
Sarah Fowler will now report directly to CEO Phil Hullah and take a seat on the company’s executive team. This strategic move not only reinforces the leadership team but also highlights Riviera Travel’s commitment to fortifying its market position in the river cruise and guided tour sectors. Phil Hullah endorsed Fowler by praising her as a ‘brilliant and passionate marketing professional,’ underscoring her suitability to drive the company’s future growth initiatives.
Fowler expressed her enthusiasm for stepping into her new role, eager to lead Riviera’s talented marketing team through what she describes as ‘exciting times.’ She articulated a vision focused on pursuing growth across all business channels, including significant developments planned to enhance Riviera Travel’s status as the UK’s leading cruise and tour operator. With initiatives aimed at fortifying the brand and customer engagement on the horizon, her leadership is set to be pivotal.
The transition also marks a farewell to Simon Michaelides, who conveyed his positive sentiments towards his tenure at Riviera and expressed confidence in Fowler’s capabilities. He leaves with a sense of accomplishment and optimism for her leadership, emphasising her expertise and promising career trajectory.
This leadership change signifies a strategic evolution for Riviera Travel as it seeks to strengthen its standing in the cruise and tour industry.
