MSC Cruises appoints new Head of Retail
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MSC Cruises has announced the appointment of Andrea Stafford into the newly created role of Head of Retail reporting to Steve Williams Director of Sales. To further strengthen its support to the UK & Irish market, MSC Cruises is expanding its sales structure to support the market in this period of unprecedented growth.
Andrea Stafford joins from Thomas Cook but has previously worked for TUI/First Choice as an RSM for 9 years followed by 6 years at Royal Caribbean where she was Field Sales Manager and Strategic Account Manager heading up the TUI Account before moving to Thomas Cook 9 months ago. Her main responsibilities will include managing the newly formed team of Regional Sales Managers and developing the Multiple and Consortia relationships for MSC Cruises in the UK. Andrea joins MSC on 3 January 2017
Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director UK & Ireland, MSC Cruises, commented: “As per my commitment to the trade, it is fantastic to see a wealth of experience joining the UK & Ireland sales team. Andrea Stafford brings with her exactly the experience and knowledge we require to develop my long-term vision for the UK & Ireland travel trade. As we enter this period of exceptional growth for MSC Cruises, we are now perfectly placed to build on existing relationships whilst also pursuing new opportunities to collaborate with agents that are the direct gateways to selling our cruises to consumers.”
Steve Williams, Director of Sales, MSC Cruises UK & Ireland, said: “I am thrilled Andrea will be joining the MSC Cruises team. She brings a wealth of experience both in managing a field sales team and relationships with the large consortia. She understands the high street exceptionally well. She will be excellent at shaping our fantastic team of regional managers that will foster our network amongst UK travel trade partners. Her role will be critical to expand our operations and support our future growth in the UK.”
With a solid structure in place, we are looking to increase UK & Irish guests on board our ships through our valued trade partners. MSC Preziosa will set sail from Southampton in the fall of 2017 with 5 voyages for seven-night Northern Europe cruises. New initiatives to expand the Company’s presence in the region will carry on beyond 2017 to continue MSC Cruises rapid growth story in the Uk and Ireland.
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