Poultney, who has been with Princess for nine years, will join PR42 and link up with former colleague and the line’s ex-UK and Ireland PR director David Sanders after he launched the business two years ago.

During her time with Princess, Poultney rose from sales manager to her current role as a member of its UK senior leadership team – overseeing multiple ship launches and running a team of 14 focusing on trade support and engagement. 

Poultney, who has previously held PR and marketing roles at AviaCircle, Trafalgar and Bales Worldwide, will take up her new role as a director at PR42 in early September. 

The agency, which specialises in cruise and travel clients, currently represents Clia, cruise.co.uk, Riviera Travel and Sail Croatia. 

Poultney said: “For anyone that knows David, it is no surprise that PR42 has done so well in its first start-up years. He is a PR guru and one of the most personable guys in the travel industry, so PR42 was always going to succeed. I’m genuinely excited to be joining the venture and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.”  

Sanders added: “It’s a fantastic coup to secure Rachel as PR42’s first hire and I can’t wait for us to team up again. She is one of the most dynamic and talented colleagues I’ve worked with, and brings with her the experience and know-how that will take us to the next level. 

“PR42 has gone from strength-to-strength in just two years and it’s clear that we can be more than a match for our larger, more established contemporaries. Rachel and I will build on that ethos of a small agency delivering big results.”