Cruise veteran joins Traveltek
Traveltek Group has appointed cruise veteran Francis Riley to spearhead its expansion strategy in the Americas.
The former Norwegian Cruise Line senior vice president, international sales, marketing and operations has joined the global travel technology specialist as senior VP sales, based at the company’s Miami headquarters.
Riley is joined by three new US-based sales executives to support Traveltek’s business development drive in North and South America.
The company said more appointments would be confirmed shortly.
"Traveltek is well placed to capitalise on growing demand for technology solutions in the North and South American travel markets with its vast portfolio of advanced tools allowing agents, tour operators and cruise specialists to customise holiday packages according to their customers’ unique requirements," said Riley.
"I am thrilled to be joining Traveltek at such an important stage in its development and look forward to unlocking the firm’s true potential in the Americas where its sophisticated technology will help clients gain a distinct competitive edge."
Riley has held senior positions across several continents with the industry’s biggest names, including Thomas Cook, British Airways, Tourico Holidays, as well as NCL.
Before joining Traveltek, Riley was responsible for sales, operations, passenger services and marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa at NCL, as well as overseeing the company’s UK headquarters in Southampton, its European offices in Wiesbaden and Malta and its international consumer marketing operation in Miami, covering Latin America, Asia and Australia.
"I am delighted that Francis is joining the organisation at this very exciting time in Traveltek’s history," said president and CEO Kenny Picken.
"Given his extensive industry experience in cruise and leisure travel and proven track record in sales, marketing and operations, I am extremely confident in his ability to steer our Americas expansion strategy and lead the sales team in this important growth market."
The three new business development managers joining Riley’s team are Ivonne Turcios and Yenedi Perez, who will both be based at Traveltek’s Miami HQ, and Clarice Bongolan, who will be responsible for driving US west coast sales from the company’s Los Angeles office.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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