Leadership of Azamara’s UK, Ireland, EMEA, Latin America and Australia territories will now fall to Patrice Willoughby, who joins as managing director, international business development, and will be based at the line’s Miami headquarters.

Twynam, who has been with the brand since January 2014, has developed and led Azamara’s UK and Ireland team to year-on-year sales growth over the last five years, and latterly the brand’s expansion into Europe and the Middle East.

Larry Pimentel, Azamara president and chief executive, said: “Richard has been a key leader for the business and brand, having led the UK and Ireland market to new heights. 

“We want to thank him for his important contribution to the brand’s growth and awareness. He has been instrumental to our success in these key markets, and we want to thank him for his leadership and ongoing support.”

Twynam commented: “I have huge admiration and respect for the Azamara business, brand and family. I feel proud and privileged to have been part of the journey, setting up the UK and Ireland team in 2014 and growing revenue by over 80%. 

“We won more than 35 awards during this time and this is testament to the people within the business and the support that our travel and trade partners gave us. This business and its people will always hold a special place in my heart and I feel confident of future success in handing over the baton to Patrice.”

Azamara said Willoughby had “extensive experience” in the luxury travel, tour operating and cruise sector, having spent more than three years at Cunard, and 15 years developing business and strategies for Virtuoso. 

Pimentel added: “We are excited to welcome Patrice to the Azamara family. We have recently expanded our destination portfolio to more than 1,700 land programmes, demonstrating our commitment to being leaders in destination immersion. We sought out Patrice to join us as she shares our passion for travel.”