Gemma Ashworth joins Riviera to take up the role, succeeding Amanda Docherty, after a short stint with Discover the World.
Ashworth was one of a handful of UK travel trade professionals who lost their jobs earlier this year when Carnival Cruise Line shuttered its UK office.
Riviera said it had seen year-on-year growth with home-based agents of nearly a third under Docherty's leadership, praising her efforts to build "a loyal and engaged community of agents".
The channel is currently the fastest-growing area of the escorted touring and river cruise specialist's business.
Ashworth brings 25 years' industry experience to her new role, including 12 spent at Carnival Cruise Line, where she worked her way up to the role of senior sales manager.
She will report into Docherty, who was earlier this year promoted to the role of head of trade UK, which in turn followed Vicky Billing's promotion to director of trade and partnerships UK and Ireland in June.
"Home-based agents remain a vital part of Riviera Travel’s success and future growth," said Riviera.
On Ashworth's appointment, Docherty said: "he brings a wealth of experience, but more importantly, she’s a true people person. I’m confident she’ll make the role her own, and her personality will be a perfect match for the team."
Part of Ashworth's role will see her work with Riviera's Ireland country manager, Carrie Day, to support the business's home-based partners in Ireland.
Ashworth said she had been impressed by the culture within Riviera Travel, and was excited to get to work supporting home-based agents grow their business with the brand.
Billing added: "This appointment reinforces the importance of our trade partners to Riviera Travel. As I have said before, one size doesn’t fit all, and our rapid-response approach continues to resonate with our partners. I am excited to see how Gemma shapes this role going forward."
