Crystal Expands Sales Presence In UK & EMEA With Three New Appointments

Wednesday, Sep 25, 2024 0

As Crystal continues to target growth in the UK and across Europe, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences announced today that it is increasing its focus and support for its trade partners with three new appointments.

Ryan Bishop, Regional Sales Manager South. Ryan joined Crystal on 23^rd September as part of the UK sales team. He brings a decade of luxury cruising experience, most recently serving as a cruise director for Seabourn and Viking. Having travelled to every corner of the globe, Ryan has an in-depth understanding of the cruise industry and will play a pivotal role in driving trade sales performance and expanding the market presence of Crystal within his region. His focus will be on revitalising and building strong connections with Crystal’s travel partners – new and old – across the South of England. Ryan will report in to Stephen Joyner, Crystal’s Senior Sales Manager UK & Ireland.

Ana Torres, Inside Sales Executive UK & EMEA. Originally from Spain, Ana joined Crystal on 23^rd September. She spent the last few years working in sales co-ordination for a luxury hotel collection where she provided global sales support, focusing on trade marketing, CRM management and client relationships. During her career, she has worked in roles within high-end retail and premium co-working spaces which has given her a well-rounded perspective on customer service and sales. With Ana joining, it brings the London-based Inside Sales team to a total of three. Ana will provide comprehensive support of the reservation system and CRM, and will collaborate with and provide level 2 support for key account partners and General Sales Agents (GSAs). She will work closely with the various teams within the cruise line to promote available resources and monitor ROI on efforts, and will be an integral part of the greater sales team that look after Crystal’s trade partners.

Michael Steffl, Director of Sales EMEA. Michael joined Crystal on 1^st September and is responsible for Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa trade sales distribution. Having spent more than 20 years with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, he has deep rooted international cruise distribution and brings a wealth of knowledge and relationships which will help position Crystal amongst various key sellers within his regions.

Matias Lira, Crystal’s SVP Trade Sales LATAM, UK & EMEA, comments: “In June we announced our plan to expand our sales presence within the UK & EMEA. We believe that providing our advisor community with personalised one-to-one support is the key to expanding and growing these regions with incredible opportunity to experience Crystal. I am happy to announce the appointment of three individuals who will contribute to this success. Michael Steffl, Ryan Bishop and Ana Torres have each started within their respective capacities this month and will begin contributing in their verticals and regions shortly. We are also continuing other hiring efforts to further expand our support in key regions.”