Grimley, who joined the touring and river cruise specialist in 2018, relocated to Northumberland last year and has decided to leave the travel industry to support his wife’s digital marketing business.

Prior to joining Scenic, he spent six years with Riviera Travel and is set to leave the industry after more than three decades.

“I’ve had an amazing career and I’ve worked for some brilliant companies. I’ve worked my way across loads of different jobs – from an overseas rep, to a travel agency and to where I am today,” Grimley told TTG. 

“I’m going to miss it a lot. The industry is great and it’s great because of all the people that make it.”

David Winterton, global director of brand and marketing at Scenic Group’s Emerald Cruises, said: “I know everybody from Joseph’s own team and the wider UK business will truly miss him and he leaves with nothing but our best wishes for his next adventure.”

Winterton said Scenic had this week launched its search for Grimley’s replacement, adding how the outgoing sales chief would be “instrumental” in helping to find his successor. 

Grimley said he wanted to ensure “my team and all our agents are properly looked after and in good hands” before departing and he intends to stay with the business until a replacement is found.

Those interested in applying should contact Gail Kenny Executive Recruitment or Grimley and Winterton directly.

“There will be no change to the incredible service our agent partners know and value from us in this time,” added Winterton. “We truly wouldn’t have weathered the past 18 months without the ongoing support from our trusted trade partners.”

Winterton said Grimley’s successor would be joining Scenic Group at “an incredibly exciting time” as its Scenic and Emerald Cruise brands prepare to launch new ships – including Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald’s first yachts Azzurra and Sakara.