David Broad has been appointed regional sales manager for central England following Laura Montalban’s promotion to national account manager.
Broad joins from JTA Travel where he was regional sales manager for central and south west England, handling cruise.
He previously worked for Cruise.co.uk and comes from a background promoting and selling cruise.
The line said the appointments reaffirmed MSC’s growth plans in the UK and Ireland following a 2017 restructure and expansion of its field-based sales team.
Steve Williams, director of sales, said: “We are absolutely thrilled for David to join us at such an exciting time at MSC Cruises.
“With 10 new ships being delivered over the coming years, the trade will be critical to our growth plans.
“David brings a wealth of experience and understands the needs of our high street partners while having a strong passion and energy for cruise.
“He has excellent relationships with the trade in the central region already so will be able to hit the ground running.”
On Montalban’s promotion, Antonio Paradiso, MSC managing director UK and Ireland, added the appointments showed the line’s “absolute commitment” to supporting and developing trade relationships.
“I’m thrilled for Laura for her well-deserved promotion and look forward to welcoming David Broad to the team,” he said.
Broad will join MSC on May 29 reporting to head of retail Andrea Stafford, boosting the line’s team of regional sales managers to eight.
Elsewhere, Rebecca Kelly has been promoted to regional head of sales in Ireland after 2017 proved to be MSC’s most successful trading year ever in the republic.
Kelly was previously national account manager for Ireland. Alana Byrne, meanwhile, has been appointed to a newly created second regional sales manager in Ireland, expanding the team to three.
With 10 years experience working for MSC in Ireland, the line said Kelly has been instrumental in building the brand into Ireland’s “market leading cruise line”.
She will take strategic leadership for the brand in the republic, reporting to director of sales UK and Ireland Steve Williams.
“After such an incredible year for MSC, I’m thrilled to be recognised in this new role. The trade’s support has been spectacular, we have an even more exciting year ahead and I cannot wait to grow the team and continue supporting our partners.”
Byrne joins from Newbridge Travel and has previously worked for Gohop.ie, Joe Walsh Tours and ebookers in field sales.
MSC is celebrating 10 years in Ireland this year. The line will host more than 400 agents and guests on board MSC Meraviglia this month when the ship, the biggest ever to port in Dublin and Cobh (Cork), makes its maiden calls.
