Virgin Voyages, Carnival Corp, Balkan Holidays: this week's travel trade people moves

Cruise veteran Nathan Philpot has left The Walt Disney Company after more than seven years to head up specialist cruise services firm Excursions. Philpot, who was running National Geographic’s licensed travel businesses, is taking over as chief executive after Excursions’ co-founder Rupert Woodard moves to the board of the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). The scheme allows owners to sell their business to employees without changing the management structure.

Independent flight consolidator JTA Travel Group has appointed Chris Cundall as its new head of UK sales as part of its ongoing efforts to expand its reach within the industry. Cundall, who joins after almost five years at Great Little Breaks, will oversee the national sales team, managing key accounts and enhancing agent relations in the north of England.

Holland America Line (HAL) president Gus Antorcha has been appointed Princess Cruises’ new boss following the departure of John Padgett, who will leave parent company Carnival in February. The appointment comes as part of a larger reshuffling, which will see Beth Bodensteiner, HAL senior vice-president and chief commercial officer, become president on 2 December. Both Antorcha and Bodensteiner will report to Josh Weinstein, Carnival’s chief executive. Meanwhile industry veteran Mark Tamis will become president of Carnival’s ultra-luxury line Seabourn following the departure of Natalya Leahy.

Balkan Holidays has expanded its trade team with two additional regional sales managers, Rob Jervis and Emma Bond, who will both join from Hays Travel. Jervis and Bond will join respectively on 2 and 9 December, working alongside Tash Smith, who oversees a small area in south-western England as well as the homeworking remit. Emiliyan Stoyanov and Lynsey Jones round up the five-people team.