Celebrity Cruises is enhancing its sales team with two new appointments, internal promotions and a revised structure to better deliver for agent partners.

The developments come as the cruise line gears up for its largest ever investment into the UK and Ireland with record deployment for the region in 2020, new ships and a comprehensive fleet upgrade. 

The changes see Celebrity Cruises recruiting for two new people - a regional sales manager for the south-east, and one for Scotland and Ireland - to join its dynamic business.

Plus, in recognition of the high calibre of the existing team Mandy Burrie and Jonny Peat have been promoted to newly created positions for the Celebrity Cruises sales team and Zoe Edwards takes on a new role.

Edwards becomes strategic account manager retail south, and Burrie is now strategic manager retail north.

Each role will oversee a small number of major accounts allowing more streamlined focus.

Peat takes on the position of business development manager to identify and nurture new partners.

Edwards was previously a strategic account manager, and both Burrie and Peat’s past roles were as regional sales managers.

Celebrity Cruises’ regional sales managers will report to either Edwards or Burrie depending on their geographical location and be part of the team reporting to head of sales, Nicola McNeish.

Peat will report to head of business development, Michael English.

All changes are effective from March.

Claire Stirrup, director of sales, Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland, explained: “I am thrilled that our growth brings new opportunities for much-loved and respected members of the sales team – huge congratulations to Zoe, Mandy and Jonny.

“And we look forward to adding two new recruits to our award-winning team.

“Thanks to growth delivered by new ships, ongoing investment and the support of our trade partners, our business is unrecognisable compared to a few years ago.

“Our ambitious plans, cemented by the commitment to both launch and base new ship Celebrity Apex in the UK in summer 2020, mean we need to evolve our approach to make the most of these incredible opportunities.

“This includes working to hone our focus on aiding agents to reach the right affluent guests.”