Sutton joins the rail specialist as business development manager, with responsibility for driving growth across its brands in the north of England.

She brings 20 years’ travel industry experience to the role having previously worked in Thomas Cook’s retail division and later as a sales manager, and at Village Hotels as a meetings and events sales manager.

“I am delighted to be joining Great Rail Journeys,” said Sutton. “It’s a fabulous brand with a fantastic range of products.

“I’m pleased to be able to support them and implement the skills I have learnt throughout my career, playing a key role in helping the team to achieve their ambitious and exciting plans for the future.”

Great Rail Journeys offers nearly 400 itineraries to more than 50 countries around the world.

The company’s head of trade sales, Lindsay Dixon, added: “Not only does [Sutton] bring with her a wealth of experience in the industry, but also a brilliant energy.

“We’ve had an incredibly exciting couple of months as a brand, including the recent deal signed to acquire Vacations By Rail, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to developing and expanding its offering, and can’t wait for Helen to continue to help to drive the brand’s success forward.”