Ambassador appoints Nicola Harper to new head of distribution role

Harper, who joins the line on 10 October, will report into chief commercial officer Phil Gardner.

She will work closely with Ambassador’s head of reservations Dave Eastwood on a transition plan for the management of the brand’s contact centre before Eastwood takes up a new role as head of inventory and trading.

Having most recently worked as head of operations and strategy at homeworking agency Aquilium Travel, Harper brings more than 15 years’ travel experience to her new position after working in roles across Tui, Attraction World, Thomas Cook and Beds With Ease.

Gardner said: “As brand awareness and interest in our premium-value product continues to grow, our focus on creating and fostering trade partnerships has never been so important to us. I look forward to working with Nicola as we continue to develop a brand and a business that stands tall in the UK cruise market.”

Meanwhile, Ambassador has also named ex-Tui and Thomas Cook PR specialist Ian Benjafield as its head of communications, reporting into chief marketing officer Gordon Nardini.

Benjafield, who joined the business on 19 September, will be responsible for corporate, consumer and internal communications.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in travel, working for brands across destination, tour operating, aviation, retail, cruise and hotel sectors.

Nardini said: “As Britain’s newest cruise line, we have so much to say. We know our guests, trade partners and media want to hear from Ambassador about our company developments and the great experiences and memories we are creating onboard. 

“The appointment of Ian, with his varied experience and deep understanding of the travel PR landscape, comes at a pivotal time for the company as we continue on our current growth trajectory and look to share our story more widely. With the support of Rooster PR, Ian will also be key to the launch of Ambassador’s second ship, Ambition, to the market in May 2023.”