APT, Oceania, Jules Verne: all the latest travel trade people moves

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APT, Oceania, Jules Verne: all the latest travel trade people moves

Training

James Chapple

19 February 2025

TTG’s weekly round-up of the latest appointments, promotions, restructurings and farewells from across the trade is the definitive digest of the travel trade people moves you need to know about.

Moves this week see an experienced travel marketing pro take on a new role with a brand aiming to dramatically increase its presence among the travel trade.

A TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus is also making waves, taking on a permanent sales manager role with Tui Cruises-owned Hapag-Lloyd after eight months with the brand.

Elsewhere, another experienced travel professional has a new role after leaving the agency sector following a short spell with Travelbag to return to tour operating.

Meanwhile, there’s a new role for a river cruise veteran and change at the top at a luxury line – plus, find out which brand is looking to work more closely with agents in the Midlands.

So here are the latest major travel trade hires, promotions and job moves over the past week (Wednesday 12 February to Wednesday 19 February).

Have you recently made a new appointment or taken on a new role? Do you have some personnel news for us from your business or organisation? Drop us an email at feedback@ttgmedia.com.

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Michelle Laverick joins Jules Verne as head of marketing

Jules Verne has recruited Michelle Laverick to spearhead the rollout of its new brand identity following a "revitalisation" effort last month. In her new role as head of marketing, Laverick will be responsible for developing and executing consumer and trade marketing strategies. Laverick joins the small group escorted tour operator after a three-year stint at Marketing Radar, where she helped travel companies better understand their customer base. She has also held relevant positions at the likes of HF Holidays, Wendy Wu Tours and Inghams. Jules Verne managing director Debbie O’Neill said: “As we develop our new brand identity, it is critical our marketing communicates Jules Verne’s fascinating history and pioneering spirit, while differentiating us from others in the travel space. Michelle’s inclusive and supportive leadership style also aligns with Jules Verne’s values, therefore we’re confident she will inspire our marketing team and deliver brilliant results."

TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus's sales manager role made permanent

Former Cunard business development and engagement manager James Scott, who joined Hapag-Lloyd Cruises on a freelance basis last year, has had his UK and Ireland sales manager post made permanent with the Tui Cruises-owned brand. TTG 30 Under 30 alumnus Scott, who was a member of the Class of 2019, confirmed his new permanent role in a LinkedIn post."Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege of working with an exceptionally talented team of individuals across the business, as well as representing a brand that sets the standard in expedition and luxury cruising," said Scott, adding: "I’m excited to continue this journey elevating our wonderful brand to new heights across the UK and Ireland." Scott started his career with Holland America Line, and besides Cunard, he has previously held roles with Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Seabourn.

Digital growth brief for brand's new commercial director

Former Travelbag managing director Andy Furlong has joined Unforgettable Travel Company as its new commercial director, bringing 30 years' industry experience to his new role, which also includes spells with Mark Warner, Neilson, Europcar and Royal Caribbean-First Choice joint venture Island Cruises. Furlong will focus on long-term commercial strategy and growing digital performance across all of the group's brands, which include Unforgettable Croatia and Unforgettable Greece. He will report to co-founder Graham Carter, who said Furlong's appointment marked an "important milestone" in the company's growth strategy. "He [Furlong] will ensure we are ideally placed to develop and implement commercial goals and increase our focus on digital operations," said Carter. "As we mark 10 years since the founding of Unforgettable Croatia, we are excited to shape the next decade for the business.” Furlong added: "The company has carved out an exceptional business by tailoring world-class travel experiences for premium and luxury travellers. I’m looking forward to driving the amplification of this successful formula."

New role for river stalwart Stuart Perl

River cruise veteran Stuart Perl has become international sales development manager at European shipping firm, Scylla AG. The former AmaWaterways managing director, whose last major cruise role was with Riverside Luxury Cruises, has been tasked with finding small tour operators and groups to charter Scylla vessels within its 40-ship fleet. On Scylla's new international strategy, Perl explained: "I'm helping them lay the foundations and develop their international business." The Swiss firm said Perl would play a key role "driving international growth", particularly in English-speaking markets.

Change at the top at Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises president Frank A. Del Rio has stepped down with immediate effect after two years at the helm. Former Regent Seven Seas Cruises president Jason Montague, who rejoined parent company NCLH in a newly-created role, will oversee daily operations. “Both Frank and his father, our company’s founder, have left an enduring legacy on Oceania Cruises and the broader industry,” Montague said in an open letter to Oceania’s trade partners. “I want to personally thank Frank for his outstanding stewardship of the brand, positioning it for an incredibly bright future, and for assembling an exceptional leadership team.” Meanwhile, earlier this month, Oceania appointed Brennan Quesnele as its new sales senior vice-president, effective from 24 February. In his new role, Quesnele will be tasked with maximising growth by implementing successful sales strategies and partner relations. He joins from sister brand Norwegian Cruise Line, where he was vice-president of strategic and national accounts.

APT and Travelmarvel seeks new Midlands BDM

APT and Travelmarvel has started recruiting for a new business development manager for the Midlands following Leiza Sullivan’s decision to leave the business in April. The river cruise and escorted touring operator said it was looking for “a dynamic, well-connected and skilful” professional, based between Birmingham and Manchester, to nurture existing trade relationships and forge new ones. “To ensure we continue delivering the highest standards of service and support in the industry, we are recruiting to find the right salesperson who will complement our growing team, help our valued agent partners increase their revenue, and familiarise the trade with the exciting new travel styles and ships we are bringing to market this year,” said head of sales and business development Brad Bennetts (pictured left).