Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) announced the formation of an industry-leading Global AKTG Advisory Board today, 8th August.
The new advisory board was designed to strengthen its travel advisor partnerships and support strategic growth across its entire luxury portfolio worldwide.
It is expected that AKTG will engage more closely with global trade leaders in all source markets with its new Global Advisory Board under the leadership of Marett Taylor, while Shawn Johnson and Matias Lira will continue to strengthen trade partnerships in the USA and LATAM through key SVP roles.
Each will lead trade sales teams for the Group's flagship brands, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal, with dedicated focus on their respective brands.
The Global Advisory board will likewise meet with key AKTG leadership multiple times a year to provide strategic guidance on product development, market trends, and trade initiatives.
A timely decision
The deepened brand commitment in the leadership structure coincides with unprecedented expansion across AKTG's full portfolio.
Crystal continues its successful relaunch with two vessels now operational and robust forward bookings, while securing financing for two additional ships, with the first expected for delivery beginning May 2028.
Crystal recently returned to the number one position in Travel & Leisure's coveted Reader's Choice rankings for 2025 for mid-size luxury ocean ships: a testament to the successful relaunch.
The brand has continued to innovate onboard experiences, welcoming prestigious partners including Casino de Monte-Carlo, Beefbar, and the renowned Michelin-starred Alajmo brothers, reinforcing Crystal's position as a leader in luxury cruising.
At the same time, Abercrombie & Kent continues its momentum with new DMCs and key new product launches from small group journeys to destinations such as Madagascar and Sri Lanka, alongside new Culinary Journeys, expedition cruises and new itineraries on the A&K private jet.
Under its A&K Sanctuary portfolio, the brand continues to expand with multiple openings in 2025, including Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru, and Baines' Lodge in Botswana.
The recent brand refresh has been met with exceptional market reception, driving increased advisor engagement and client demand under one unified website, social channels, and brand identity.
Taylor takes the helm
Marett Taylor will assume a new role as chairman for Global AKTG Advisory Board & Trade Relations, as well as her appointment to the board for A&K Philanthropy (AKP), where she will provide leadership in enhancing AKP’s work within all four strategic pillars for AKP’s 70+ projects worldwide.
Taylor’s focus will include women’s enterprise, education, and conservation, reflecting values that resonate deeply with the travel advisor community.
She will continue to maintain high engagement for AKTG at major trade events, including the upcoming Virtuoso Travel Week, PURE, Signature Travel Network Meetings, and ILTM Cannes.
Taylor's new AKTG strategic role represents AKTG's commitment to advisor-driven innovation from a global perspective.
In her new position, she will be spearheading the development of AKTG's first multi-brand Global Advisory Board drawing input from key source markets across the industry, bringing together the top travel agency leaders to shape future product development and trade initiatives for AKTG.
Taylor will continue to report to chief executive Cristina Levis who said of the new chairman: "Marett has built exceptional foundations for our global sales teams across both brands. Her new role allows us to leverage her industry expertise and deeply engage our trade partners in guiding our global strategic direction for our entire portfolio.”
Who’s who on the board
The inaugural Global AKTG Advisory Board will include distinguished travel agency leaders from across the USA, Canada, Latin America, UK, Europe, and APAC regions with a range of expertise in selling all products within AKTG’s luxury portfolio.
Appointments are ongoing but new notable appointments from each region include:
- USA/Canada/Caribbean new members: Damian McCabe, McCabe Travel; Karen Magee, VWT a Chase Travel Company; Katherine Norton, Brownell; Cristina Buaas, CSB Travel; Aida Silva, Tully Luxury Travel; Stephen Smith, Direct Travel; Laura Asilis, Travelwise. There are additional USA Advisory board members currently serving on the existing A&K advisory board.
- Latin America/Spain: Omar Servin, Amparo; Mario del Duca, NUBA; Marcelo Ortiz, Traveliz; Maurice Padovani, Primetour de Viagens; Paola Prieto, NAO
- UK: Edwina Lonsdale, Mundy Cruising; Fiona Pearcy, The Travel Network Group; Kirsten Hughes, Travel Counsellors; Jacqueline Dobson, The Vacation Group (Internova)
- APAC: Anthony Goldman, Goldman Travel Group; Melinda Gregor, Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel, Chervin Chow, Blue Sky Escapes
Changes in terms of trade leadership
Meanwhile, both Shawn Johnson and Matias Lira will report directly to chief growth officer Daniel Krupp who assumes expanded oversight of sales and engagement strategy.
Their key titles and responsibilities are as follows:
- Shawn Johnson, Senior Vice President of Trade Sales, North America, will continue to lead all trade sales and strategy for Abercrombie & Kent in the US/Canada market, including for A&K DMC sales and A&K Sanctuary globally.
- Matias Lira, Senior Vice President of Trade Sales – Americas, UK & EMEA, will continue directing Crystal's trade engagement across international markets outside APAC. He also leads both A&K and Crystal brands for the LATAM market.
Krupp said of the recent appointees: "Great advisor relationships are built on trust and results, and Shawn and Matias have earned that trust by truly understanding what advisors need to succeed. They bring deep expertise and long-standing industry relationships, and their leadership ensures both continuity and fresh thinking in how we support our partners."
Aside from these appointments, executive vice-president Debra Fox will continue to lead Crystal's and A&K’s trade sales in APAC and UK and serve as managing director for Abercrombie & Kent Tour Operating businesses in Australia and the UK.
She is supported by Susan Haberle, VP of Trade Sales for A&K and Crystal Australia & New Zealand; Tony Archbold, VP of Trade Sales for A&K and Crystal Asia; and Jennifer Charlton, SVP of Trade Sales UK/EMEA and MD, Cox & Kings.
Improved trade support
It should also be noted that AKTG is launching an enhanced digital Trade Portal featuring comprehensive marketing assets for both brands, real-time inventory management, and streamlined booking capabilities.
The platform will provide advisors with instant access to high-resolution imagery, detailed product specifications, competitive selling tools, and personalized client presentation materials.
Additionally, the portal will offer enhanced training modules, webinar scheduling, and direct communication channels with the expanded sales leadership team, ensuring advisors have immediate access to the resources and support needed to maximise sales opportunities across both brands.
This expansion reinforces AKTG's commitment to delivering transformative luxury experiences across its global portfolio while maintaining its leadership position in expedition and luxury travel.
Travel advisors should direct all trade-related inquiries to:
- Shawn Johnson – Abercrombie & Kent (North America)
- Matias Lira – Crystal and LATAM
- Susan Haberle – A&K and Crystal Australia & New Zealand
- Tony Archbold – A&K and Crystal Asia
- Jennifer Charlton – A&K UK/EMEA
