The cruise line revealed on Friday (17 May) Daniels will be responsible for forging stronger relationships with the travel trade while expanding Ponant’s market presence and brand visibility.

Daniels – who joins Ponant after a nine-year stint at Hurtigruten – will report to chief EMEA sales chief and global customer relations officer Olivier Nancy. 

He will work alongside Midlands and south sales manager Vladislav Saveliev and North, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland sales manager Danny Giles.

“I am particularly enthusiastic to welcome Anthony to the team, showcasing Ponant’s commitment to this strategic market and the desire to expand our unique offerings to travellers and accelerate commercial momentum in the United Kingdom and Ireland,” Nancy said. 

Daniels – who has worked in the cruise sector for more than 30 years and has held positions at the likes of Cunard, Norwegian Cruise Line and Seabourn – added: “The company’s vision and growth strategy offers our UK industry experts and their guests amazing opportunities.”

Daniels hinted at more to come, adding: “We will share more details of our plans in due course.”

International sales manager Stephen Winter, who opened Ponant’s UK and Ireland market, will turn his focus on growing emerging markets in Europe and building Ponant’s partnerships business across the continent.