Francis, who will be based in London, has taken up the role of regional sales director EMEA at the expedition line. Previously, Quark’s EMEA trade sales were managed by its Seattle-based team. 

Quark hailed Francis’s "exceptional track record for strategic partnership development" and her management of "five world-class touring brands".

Announcing her role on LinkedIn, Francis said: "I’m absolutely pumped to dive into the world of expedition travel. 

"The thought of connecting travellers with unparalleled experiences in some of the most breathtaking and unexplored corners of the globe gives me an immense sense of anticipation and excitement. 

"Embarking on this journey allows me to combine my passion for exploration with my sales expertise, and I can’t wait to contribute and educate our trade partners across EMEA on the exciting products we have to offer."

Francis joins a team headed up by US-based Beth Mercier, who has been promoted to the role of senior director of global partnership sales at Quark, overseeing the North American market. She was previously regional sales director.

In her new position, Mercier will drive relationships with global consortiums, host agencies and strategic accounts. She has 15 years’ expedition cruise industry experience, including five years’ recent sales leadership experience focused on North America and Latin America for Quark Expeditions.

Thomas Lennartz, Quark Expeditions’ vice-president of sales, said: "We’re thrilled to have two extraordinary trade sales leaders enhance the best business development team in the expedition cruise industry.

"In their new roles, Beth and Becky will bring not just a proven ability to deliver sales results—they are both recognised as inspiring team leaders with a balanced and strategic approach to professional success."

He added: "Together with Robert Halfpenny, our regional sales director APAC, they will set the stage as our sales organisation continues to grow to support our valued travel advisors globally."