Carrier, P&O Cruises, Crystal: this week's travel trade people moves

P&O Cruises has appointed Sarah Schranz as its new partnerships development manager for the South East. Schranz joins from P&O Cruises parent Carnival UK, where over the past two years she's held a variety of roles – most recently as strategic partnerships executive. In her new role, she will focus on helping P&O Cruises build stronger relationships with agents. "That is my dream job,” she said. “Networking, building relationships with agents, helping them maximise their sales and being an ambassador for P&O Cruises."

Crystal has bolstered its trade sales team with the appointment of former Ponant business development manager Danny Giles. Effective from 6 November, Giles will become Crystal’s new regional sales manager for Scotland, Ireland and the north of England, tasked with strengthening existing and creating new agent partnerships. He will report into UK and Ireland senior sales manager Stephen Joyner. “Danny has an in-depth understanding of the cruise industry and will play a pivotal role in driving trade sales performance and expanding the market presence of Crystal within his region,” said Crystal.

Former Focus Travel Partnership boss Abby Penston has launched a new coaching scheme designed to support senior travel executives who may be experiencing loneliness and workplace pressure. Called myexec, the practice will help senior business leaders develop a clearer vision for their organisation and refine their communication and conflict resolution skills. “Being a leader or senior manager in an SME travel business can often feel a lonely role and can seem overwhelming at times” Penston said. “As a former chief executive myself, I am well familiar with the challenges and pressures that SME business leaders face today."

InteleTravel co-founder James Ferrara has been promoted to chief executive and managing partner of the homeworking disruptor's parent Intravel. Ferrara, who launched InteleTravel in 1991 with Joseph Traina Sr, became president in 2005 after serving as executive vice-president and chief marketing officer. During that time, Ferrara has overseen InteleTravel's launch into the UK market. Traina Sr said: “He [Ferrars] has dedicated endless hours to leading the team that has grown InteleTravel to the global travel giant it is now, and he has been the architect of the recent mergers and acquisitions that have propelled us further."

Not Just Travel has appointed a new onboarding trainer to bolster its training resources and support for new entrants. Robyn Morgan, a former weightlifting Olympian and travel veteran, will combine her skills to train Not Just Travel consultants who are new to travel, delivering both online and in-person sessions for new recruits. “I don’t just talk to a screen from nine-to-five, it’s about blended learning and capturing people's attention,” she said. “Training with Not Just Travel is a continual journey, and it’s my job to ensure consultants have all the resources at their fingertips."