Bottom L-R: Elena Rodriquez, Director of Business Development and Taylor Hendwood, Business Development Manger, Celestyal.
Celestyal is expanding its dedicated North American trade team.
The cruise line, which specializes in the Greek islands, has announced four new team members, bringing its total team in the region to 11, with additional recruitment currently underway.
The most recent additions include Elena Rodriquez, Director of Business Development; Scott Moore, Director of Key Accounts and Partnerships; Taylor Hendwood, Business Development Manger, Southeast and Lauren Barreras, Trade Marketing Manager.
Rodriquez joins Celestyal from Princess Cruises. where she served as Director of National Accounts since 2007. As Celestyal’s Director of Business Development, she will be responsible for revenue generation and will lead a team of Business Development Managers.
Prior to joining Celestyal, Moore was with American Queen Voyages. He also held positions with Club Med, The Scenic Group and The Walt Disney Company. As Director of Key Accounts and Partnerships, Moore will design and implement successful sales programs, strategies and network/membership penetration initiatives which focus on sales growth.
Hendwood joins Celestyal from American Queen Voyages, where he served as a Regional Account Manager. He also held previous positions with Princess Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and American Express. He will be responsible for sales in the southeast region of the U.S.
These new team members will report to Brandon Townsley, Vice President & Managing Director, North America.
“I am extremely excited to welcome Elena, Scott and Taylor to our growing team in the U.S.,” said Townsley. “These three individuals bring a wealth of retail cruise expertise to Celestyal and have long established relationships with travel sellers throughout North America. We look forward to putting their talents to work to better serve our network of travel advisor partners and continue to grow the Celestyal’s brand and business throughout the U.S. and Canada.”
Taking on trade marketing, Barreras joins Celestyal with eight years of global trade marketing and sales experience. She will work with the trade to deliver events and raise awareness of Celestyal's brand, products, fleet, destinations, award-winning service and offers. Barreras will report to Anna Gregori, VP Brand, Marketing, Communications and Customer Journey.
New Roles and Promotions Announced
Cyndi Berardi, who previously held the position of Trade Sales Support Executive has been promoted to the new role of Manager, Trade Support and Operations, where she will be responsible for providing travel advisors with sales support and problem resolution services.
Sandra Jakovac, who previously held the position of Trade Sales Support Executive, has been promoted to the new role of Manager, Group Sales and Administration.
Stephanie McDonald, who was formerly Business Development Manager, Canada, has been promoted to the new position of Manager, Partner Training & Development where she will provide on-going Celestyal product and systems training for both Celestyal’s travel advisor partners as well as internal customers.
“These new functional positions and promotions are a direct result of our listening carefully to our trade partners and furthering our commitment to the important segment of our business. With a refreshed fleet, new itineraries and programs and an expanded North American team, Celestyal is primed to make waves in this market, and we look forward to what is sure to be an exciting year ahead,” said Townsley.
