March 2020 | Forward
NEW HIRES
Travelopia appoints Erin Johnson as new marketing director
Two new additions to AmaWaterways team River cruise line AmaWaterways has announced two new additions to its Guildford-based team. Natasha Warren has joined as marketing manager, covering the role for Sarah Thompson who is taking maternity leave. Warren has worked at Royal Caribbean for the last 15 years in a variety roles. Meanwhile, Sarah Le Goff has joined from the US-based AAA East Central as trade marketing executive. At AmaWaterways she will be dedicated to supporting and developing business via the trade.
Karl Muhlberger joins Crystal Cruises Travelopia, the specialist travel brands portfolio company, has appointed Erin Johnson as marketing director of its tailor-made division. Johnson joins from luxury cruise line Silversea, where she was UK & Ireland marketing director. She will cover the Hayes & Jarvis, Sovereign, Citalia and Austravel brands and report to commercial and brand director Helen Adamson.
Adamson said: “Erin is wellrespected and well-known and has a track record in delivering successful marketing strategies that engage both the trade and consumer markets.” Johnson said: “I have really enjoyed my time with Silversea. Joining Travelopia, in the exciting sector of tailor-made travel, and at such a pivotal time for the business will be a new challenge for me.”
Karl Muhlberger has been named chief operating officer by Crystal Cruises. The former Norwegian Cruise Line head of hotel operations has worked for Cunard, Seabourn and Silversea and was also the first Austrian chef to receive a Michelin star. At Crystal, he will oversee the luxury line’s growing fleet, including hotel services, entertainment, food and beverage operations, concessions, technical services, reservations and guest relations.
“It’s a very exciting time for our business as we expand across all our product lines,” says Phil Hullah as he replaces David Clemson as Riviera Travel’s CEO Phil Hullah has been appointed as CEO by Riviera Travel, succeeding David Clemson who will stay within the business as a non-executive director. Clemson, who has been with the company since 2008, increased revenue seven-fold during his tenure, maintaining a track record of 35 years worth of growth. He also started Riviera’s agency sales channel. Andrew Strong, chairman of Riviera, said: “On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank David for his outstanding leadership as
CEO. During his tenure, the business has grown into the market leader it is today while maintaining Riviera’s culture of dedication to delivering an outstanding customer experience.” Clemson said:“It’s been a huge privilege to lead Riviera. I am deeply grateful to Riviera’s fantastic team, its founder Michael Wright and the board for their tireless commitment to the business. I would like to thank our loyal customers and channel partners for continuing to put their trust in us year after year. Having worked with
Phil over the last few months, I am confident that the business will thrive under his leadership.” Hullah said: “I am honoured and delighted to be taking over as CEO. It’s a pleasure to be working with Riviera’s fantastic team of passionate staff. It’s a very exciting time for the business as we expand across all our product lines and continue to improve the customer experience.” Hullah joined Riviera in October 2019 and has held senior roles with Laithwaites Wine and John Lewis. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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