The UK’s largest independent travel agency described Rzymowska “a highly respected business leader”, renowned throughout the sector for her “commercial nous” and her passion to drive diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Hays Travel chair Dame Irene Hays said her agency business was “thrilled” to welcome Rzymowska, who will take up her role on Wednesday (1 November).

Rzymowska said: “Hays Travel stands for so many things I admire and respect, with a vision at its core that connects profitability with purpose, that puts the customer first while benefiting local communities.

“As a passionate advocate for developing talent, I am impressed by Hays Travel’s drive to empower its employees, encouraging greater confidence and allowing better representation at every level of the business. 

“I’m looking forward to working with Irene and the Hays Travel board offering my support, advice and guidance as the business continues to grow and develop.”

Irene Hays added: “She will contribute and challenge in equal measure areas of our business that go way beyond the expected subjects of cruise, and inclusion, to make the most of our future growth plans.”

In an interview with TTG earlier this year, Rzymowska said stepping down from her role as vice-president and managing director EMEA at Celebrity was about her “evolving” her role in the industry, not retiring from it. “I want to use everything I’ve learned to give back,” she said. 

Rzymowska entered the industry in the early 1980s as a rep in Majorca working for Harry Goodman’s Intasun.

Across her 40-year career, Rzymowska has held senior commercial, sales and marketing roles at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Universal Studios, Thomas Cook and Royal Caribbean Group, culminating with her role at Celebrity Cruises. 

In 2005, she joined Royal Caribbean as director of sales and marketing, UK and Ireland, before becoming Royal’s general manager, UK and Ireland, in 2010. She took up her final role at Royal, Celebrity Cruises’ vice-president and managing director, EMEA, in 2018.

Rzymowska was also named LGBT+ Trailblazer of the Year at the 2021 Travel Industry Awards by TTG.