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DFDS recruits new marketing chief
A new head of marketing from outside the travel industry has joined ferry company DFDS Seaways.
Pete Akerman joins from Norwich Union and previously worked for Barclays and Polygram Music.
Based in Newcastle, his role will be to proactively market and communicate the line’s services to consumer, business and trade customers whilst highlighting all the benefits of travelling by sea, the company said.
The appointment prior to the launch of King of Scandinavia – the biggest ship to ever cruise from Newcastle on a scheduled service. This, along with the launch of a CityCruiseBreaks 2006 brochure and the introduction of a new flexible pricing policy in March, will be key priorities in the first quarter.
Akerman said: “DFDS Seaways is a well-established, quality brand; my challenge will be to ensure that we continue to position travelling by sea and our range of short breaks and holidays as relaxing and hassle free leisure options and we compete against other travel choices, particularly the low cost airlines.
“There is huge scope to make a real impact with this role. I will be responsible for the marketing strategy, focusing on driving forward the brand building and marketing initiatives, including relationships with third parties. I will also be looking at the development of the online booking service and maximising our trade partnerships both online and off line.”
DFDS Seaways sails from Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark and Newcastle to Amsterdam, Kristiansand and Gothenburg.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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