Boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises has appointed Richard Twynam as its first ever Managing Director in the UK and Ireland. He will lead a new 10-strong team dedicated to the destination immersive travel brand.
Richard brings almost 20 years of experience in the travel industry with him, having held senior positions at companies such as Air New Zealand, Tui UK, Virgin Holidays Cruises and Kuoni UK.
The appointment follows a decision earlier this year by parent company RCL Cruises Ltd to evolve its UK and Ireland business structure in response to business growth. From 1st January 2014 there will be three dedicated businesses, but Richard Twynam will work in partnership with Stuart Leven, Manager Director, Royal Caribbean International, and Jo Rzymowska, Managing Director, Celebrity Cruises.
Larry Pimentel, President and Chief Executive of Azamara Club Cruises, said: “The UK and Ireland market continues to be one of the largest and most important for Azamara Club Cruises and is going from strength to strength. We are excited to welcome Richard Twynam to lead this evolution as we continue to grow and invest in our business. Now is a really exciting time for the business as the expansion continues.”
Supporting Richard as Commercial Director is David Duff, formerly commercial planning and analysis for RCL Cruises Ltd. David is joined by a business analyst and an air and inventory team member. The new commercial team will aid agents in planning pricing, itineraries and strengthen the brand among British and Irish holidaymakers.
In addition Richard will oversee a three-strong sales team and a marketing communications and PR manager. The sales and marketing team will be supported by a trade marketing executive, the first time the cruise line has enjoyed this level of agent focus in the UK and Ireland.
