Deller is expected to step down as chief executive but will continue to be actively involved in the business as Imagine Cruising Group chairman. Deller’s move is part of a restructuring at the cruise specialist which has seen several key appointments.

The most high profile is Carl Burrows, who joins as global marketing director. Formerly UK managing director at Collette Travel, Burrows has more than 25 years travel experience spanning other senior roles with Explore Worldwide, Lastminute.com, Inghams and Virgin Holidays.

Rachael Merrett joins as global head of finance from international candle brand Yankee Candle Company where she held the role of EMEA financial controller. A new global head of events, Andy Edwards, has also been appointed. He was previously with Capita Travel and Events where he held the role of events director.

In addition, Stephen Farmer joins as global head of communications. He has worked at The O2 as communications manager before joining the BBC in 2013. Another appointee is Brian Flood, global head of IT and procurement. He joins Imagine Cruising from Complete IT where he was IT consultant.

Deller said: “Imagine Cruising is now an established global business and as such, we need a global team. I’m delighted to welcome everyone to their new positions. Every individual joining us brings a wealth of experience, specialist knowledge and business acumen to the company.

“In the three years since we’ve become part of dnata we have driven growth at an incredible rate, both in terms of profit and our expansion globally. We have not only achieved all elements of my vision for the company when we opened for business in 2011, but together with our colleagues at dnata, we’ve hit many more commercial and brand milestones.

“Boosting our leadership team further strengthens our position as we enter the next phase of our growth plans. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements to date and look forward to supporting and advising my brilliant leadership team as we grow and expand the business. I know they will build on our successes and continue to take the company from strength to strength.”