15 February 2008

New roles for Royal Caribbean sales stalwarts

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has confirmed new roles for Karen Doyle and Michael English.

Doyle becomes head of national accounts across both brands while English takes the newly-created role of head of field sales for Celebrity Cruises in the UK and Ireland.

The internal changes are the first stage in a restructuring that will see sales teams dedicated to Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.

Previously a national account manager, Doyle will take on her new role from April 1 reporting to an as yet unnamed new sales director.

She will implement long-term strategic sales and marketing plans for the national accounts distribution platform and maximise new opportunities for account growth. Two national account managers will report to Doyle, including current position holder Jill Winn. The recruitment process has started for the second.

English, head of the Royal Caribbean International field sales team, moves across to take a similar role for Celebrity Cruises. He will be responsible for establishing a sales team specific to the Celebrity and Azamara Cruises brands.

English will be introducing new sales and marketing opportunities for the two luxury cruise lines, the company said.

Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, UK and Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska said: 'It is with great pride that we confirm exciting new roles for two of the longest-standing members of the UK and Ireland Royal Caribbean Cruise Line team.

'These promotions and new responsibilities are the first steps towards our future growth plans for the new sales function.

'I am confident that we will continue our tradition of having the best sales force in the business, and I am excited about working closely with Karen Doyle and Michael English to create and motivate our newly defined teams.'

by Phil Davies