Jennifer Charlton joins from travel management company American Express Global Business Travel, where she led partnership teams in Amex’s EMEA and APAC regions. She will be based in A&K’s London office.
A&K Travel Group, which operates the Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises brands, said a host of recent trade-facing appointments – including Charlton’s – would strengthen its ties with agents, which it reiterated went back more than 60 years.
Chief sales officer Marett Taylor said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time at A&K Travel Group. With strong forward bookings and a record year of 2023 sales, the successful relaunch of Crystal, and an amazing group of new sales leaders, we are poised for great success.
“We remain dedicated to our travel advisor community and equipping our sales teams to deliver the highest level of service.”
She added: “We have robust plans to expand educational opportunities, invest in sales and marketing resources, and offer other initiatives to help our trade partners grow their businesses."
Elsewhere, Glen Rothe joins Crystal Cruises as vice-president of trade sales in the line’s US office in Florida. He will be responsible for managing trade relationships and sales for the luxury cruise line.
Jacqueline Leyva, meanwhile, has also joined Crystal as vice-president, trade reservations, air and turnaround operations in the line’s US office.
Sharla Smith has been appointed Crystal’s regional sales director, overseeing central US. She brings more than 20 years’ cruise industry experience to the role.
Last year, A&K Travel Group purchased luxury cruise vessels Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony and the Crystal brand after the line declared bankruptcy.
