Hewitt Davies will oversee the group’s luxury product portfolio, which includes a global hotel portfolio, as well as Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Hours prior to Hewitt Davies’s announcement as managing director on Monday 2 October, cruise veteran Stuart Perl posted on LinkedIn confirming he was leaving his role as UK managing director of the river line. 

Hewitt Davies has been tasked with increasing market share for the luxury hotel group and river cruise line, as, developing new sales strategies and distribution, and building awareness for both brands. 

Riverside and Seaside said Hewitt Davies’s appointment demonstrated their commitment to the UK and Ireland market.

Hewitt Davies joins from high-end tour operator Eden Luxury Travel, where she worked from 2010. She most recently held the role of product director and before that, executive director product and sales, where she has gained knowledge of the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and Europe. 

Riverside and Seaside added Hewitt Davies would bring with her "a wide network of key industry contacts and an appreciation of the needs of the market from both a trade and consumer perspective”.

“The two brands have so much to offer the luxury seeking traveller. I’m looking forward to working with the existing and growing teams to build a strong and cohesive strategy that will drive bookings and grow brand awareness,” she added. 

 “Working closely and building relationships with luxury tour operators, travel agents and travel designers will be a key part of our sales strategy.”