Billing joined Riviera from The Travel Corporation in April 2022 as commercial partnerships manager and was quickly promoted to head of partnerships and latterly head of trade and partnerships.
She will continue to report into chief commercial officer Robin Shaw, who said Billing’s impact had been "transformative". "Vicky’s leadership is energising," he said.
Riviera said Billing had brought "a bold, solutions-driven approach" and delivered "standout results", including "remarkable almost 50% year-on-year growth in trade business".
Since joining Riviera, Billing has spearheaded Riviera Explorer – a six-figure digital investment supporting cruise specialists and new-to-cruse agents. She has also led on the creation of a dedicated 24/7trade team and enhanced concierge services, and will this year oversee more than 300 trade events and fam trips, including a Sri Lanka mega fam this month.
Influential too have been Riviera’s trade engagement committee meetings, bringing together key trade partners to help Riviera improve its service to agents.
"Vicky has reported directly to me for the past year while Stuart Milan [president, North America] has focused on our expansion in North America, and her contribution has been transformative," said Shaw.
"She’s brought a relentless focus on delivery, challenged us to think differently, and championed the needs of our agent partners. This promotion recognises the scale of her impact and her unwavering commitment."
Billing said her ongoing focus would be to make Riviera easy to do business with and to ensure it retains a trade-first approach. She is responsible for a team of 24 across the UK and Ireland, spanning trade sales, trade support, partnerships, groups and Affinity, the Irish travel trade and all related marketing activity.
Riviera said in her new role, Billing would work closely with Ireland country manager Carrie Day to grow the river cruise and escorting touring specialist’s presence in the Irish market.
"Together, they are aiming to increase market share in Ireland by more than 50% over the next 12 months, fuelled by a renewed focus on trade partnerships, tailored marketing support and elevated service for agents in the region," said Riviera.
Billing has also found time to make impacts beyond commercial, such as by co-founding Back in Time for Bed – the industry’s support forum for working parents.
Riviera described her as a "visible champion for inclusive leadership". “It’s incredibly important to work for a business that looks after its people,” she added.
