O’Neill moves up from her previous position of general manager at Jules Verne on 1 June and will take over from Francis Torrilla, who has held the position for five years. 

She will become the first female managing director of the tour operator in its 44-year history after first starting her career with Jules Verne as a sales consultant in 1990.

O’Neill, who was appointed general manager at Jules Verne in April 2022, has been instrumental in the brand’s move to selling through the trade.

“2023 has been great for Jules Verne and everyone across the business. Not only have bookings been strong but since launching to the trade, there has been a renewed energy in the office, it’s been wonderful to see,” she said.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of managing director. As the first female MD, I’m really looking forward to bringing a new outlook and perspective to everything we do.”

Torrilla, who is now interim chief executive of Der Touristik UK, added: “Debbie’s experience in the business and the skills she has acquired in helping people to achieve their full potential makes her the perfect candidate to take Jules Verne on its next voyage.”