The no-fly cruise line has recruited Laura Yates to a newly created business development manager role focusing on creating and building relationships with homeworking agents and identifying new trade business opportunities.
Yates joins Ambassador from Hays Travel, where she most recently worked as cruise commercial assistant manager within the agency’s cruise commercial team. In that role, she supported oversaw Hays's performance with cruise brands and managed partnerships with lines.
She previously spent more than six years at The Cruise Specialists as business development and marketing manager, working with multiple cruise lines to drive sales, deliver joint marketing campaigns and strengthen supplier relationships.
Yates will take up her new role on Thursday (11 March). Ambassador's deputy head of trade Karen Cameron praised Yates for her "extensive experience" across cruise partnerships, marketing and commercial performance. "Laura will be a real asset as we look to grow our homeworking partnerships and develop new trade relationships," she added.
Alongside the new appointment, Ambassador has promoted Jade Cheadle to business development manager for the south. Previously business development executive for the South West and Wales, she will now focus on developing agent partnerships and growing sales across the wider region.
Meanwhile, Carly Bowkett has been named interim trade support manager as Beth Barker prepares to go on maternity leave. Bowkett, who is currently business development executive for the north of England, will oversee trade support in the north and Scotland while also leading the company’s trade support team. Trade support assistant Joshua Newbert will report directly to her.
"I am also delighted to see Jade and Carly step into their new roles," Cameron continued. "Both have already made a significant contribution to the success of the trade team. These well-deserved moves will help ensure we continue to provide agents with all the tools, support and expertise they need to sell Ambassador with confidence."
