Small brings nearly 20 years’ account management experience to the role, including nearly 10 years with Virgin Atlantic where she was until mid-2020 the carrier’s leisure account manager. She has also since worked for Virgin Holidays.

MSC director of sales Steve Williams said Small, who will take up the role on 20 June, had a "proven track record" in account management and would be a "valuable asset" to the line’s trade team.

"Her wealth of experience and knowledge managing high street partners, homeworkers [and] consortia members in the leisure airline sector will prove invaluable as we continue to rapidly grow our own footprint and distribution across the Midlands and central region," added Williams.

Alyshia Jay Bartlett, MSC’s head of retail, said Small joined at a "critical time" as the cruise sector bounces back from the Covid crisis.

"MSC Cruises is building on the huge success of last year’s season with MSC Virtuosa," she said. "This year is already breaking records in terms of sales, particularly around our ex-UK offerings on MSC Virtuosa, MSC Preziosa and MSC Grandiosa.

"Her [Small’s] vast experience in account management will be a great asset to the regional sales team, and I cannot wait for her to join the MSC family."

Small added: "I’m extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to broaden my career into the cruise sector. I cannot wait to get back out on the road to support the trade in selling an amazing brand."