Domes Resorts, NCL, Star Clippers: all the latest travel trade people moves

NCL has promoted senior business development manager Kirsty Webb to the role of director of strategic accounts. Webb’s promotion comes ahead of Norwegian Aqua’s inaugural sailing, which is set to take place on 25 March. As part of her new role, Webb will manage the line’s relationship with a portfolio of key accounts while guiding the business development manager team. As part of its expansion into the UK, NCL will also create a new regional sales executive role for Scotland and the North East, reporting to head of retail and field sales Nigel Rankin. “The UK and Ireland is NCL’s biggest market outside of North America and the travel trade is critical to our success as we materially expand our fleet,” said UK and Ireland vice president Gary Anslow.

HF Holidays has bolstered its senior leadership team by appointing Jenny Brydon to the newly created position of chief commercial officer, reporting to new chief executive Chris Simmonds. Brydon – who has held relevant positions at the likes of Travelsupermarket and Saga Holidays – will oversee product, revenue and pricing while driving revenue growth. “The opportunity to contribute to a company that has been connecting people to nature for more than 111 years, with its unique opportunities and the complexities of its cooperative model, is truly inspiring,” Brydon said. “I’m excited by the challenge of continuing to develop and grow this unique business, ensuring that HF Holidays not only thrives today but is also well-positioned to flourish for another 111 years.”

Classic Collection former head of sales Leanne Edwards has joined Greece specialist Olympic Holidays as head of sales. “Olympic Holidays is a well-respected business with 60 years of independence, providing best-in-class holidays to consumers and trade partners within its 11 key destinations, with exciting plans for growth,” she said. “I can’t wait to tell the story and help grow this fabulous business. With 30 years of industry experience, I believe I am well-positioned to do so.” Prior to joining Olympic Holidays, Edwards also worked for the likes of Not Just Travel, Hays Travel and Tui.

Star Clippers has appointed former Olympic Holidays key account manager Emma Hilton as its new regional sales manager for the north, effective from 22 April. Hilton, who joins the cruise line after eight years at the Greece specialist, will focus on strengthening existing business relationships while expanding Star Clippers’ reach in northern England. She will report to head of trade sales Nicola Cox.

Four Seasons Yachts has appointed former Celebrity Cruises captain Kate McCue as the inaugural captain of the line’s first ultra-luxury yacht Four Seasons I, which is set to enter service in January 2026. Not only will McCue be responsible for ensuring the yacht’s safe navigation, but she will also oversee the onboard experience of guests and crew members alike. “The selection of Captain Kate for this leadership position is reflective of our mission to attract and retain a first-in-class team of exceptional crew and top talent in the industry,” said chief talent and culture officer Tony Faso. An industry veteran with more than 30 years of maritime expertise, McCue has held relevant positions at the likes of Royal Caribbean Group and Disney Cruise Line. In 2015, she made history as the first US female captain of a mega-ton cruise ship.