Scenic, Fred Olsen, Silversea: all the latest travel trade people moves

Peter Deer has left Fred Olsen Cruise Lines after 20 years with the brand. Former Fred Olsen managing director Deer, who was named chief financial officer following the arrival of chief executive Samantha Stimpson last year, joined Fred Olsen in 2004. He will spend the summer with his family before seeking new opportunities, Fred Olsen said in a statement.

Silversea has promoted Barbara Biffi to senior vice-president global sales following the departure of Massimo Brancaleoni, who has left the ultra-luxury line after 18 months. In her new role, Biffi has been tasked with making it easier for agents to work with the line, and to consolidate its position in the market.

Riviera Travel’s Claire Hills (pictured right) has been appointed to a newly created national sales manager role, with oversight for Riviera's retail and online travel agent partners. Effective from 1 September, Hills will – in her new capacity – oversee the work of five key account managers. She will report to Riviera head of trade and partnerships Vicky Billing. Riviera has also promoted Darrell Mussell to the role of trade support manager, while Maddison Glut has become trade support executive.

David Rennie has become the latest addition in Tui’s trade team after being appointed trade manager for Scotland. Rennie joins from Midlands operator JTA and brings more than 20 years’ industry experience to his new role with Tui. He will work with independent agents across Scotland and report to Tui senior trade relations manager Holly Wood.

Michelle Daniels is leaving A-Rosa River Cruises after her role as sales director was made redundant following what the German river line described as a "challenging year". As part of the restructuring, regional sales manager Emma Rodgers will report directly to UK and Ireland managing director Lucia Rowe, who admitted letting Daniels go was “an incredibly difficult decision” for A-Rosa. Daniels joined A-Rosa in April from Light Blue Travel.

Elegant Resorts has appointed former Carrier head of product and commercial Simon Jeffries as the director of its newly created sports travel division. An industry veteran of almost 30 years, Jeffries will be tasked with helping Elegant Resorts create a new sports tour operation and evolve its brand position. Jeffries said the role would allow him to combine his “passion for sport and luxury travel”.

Stuart Allison is poised to join P&O Cruises as the line's new chief commercial officer, tasked with supporting P&O's growth ambitions in the UK market. Allison will join the line in mid-October following a 10-year stint with Carnival UK stablemate, Princess Cruises. He will report to Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow in his new role.

Rhondda and Ogmore MP Chris Bryant has been named the new minister for tourism, but he will also take on another five ministerial portfolios – including heritage, museums and cultural property, and libraries. While Bryant's appointment has been welcomed by Abta and the Tourism Alliance, it comes as a blow to travel's hopes of the new Labour-led government heeding its calls for a dedicated minister for outbound travel and/or tourism.