PONANT appoints Ellen McIIvaine VP of sales in North America

PONANT has appointed Ellen McIIvaine vice-president of sales, North America.

McIIvaine has been with the company for six years, and her most recent position was director of business development in the northwest region.

In her new post, she will oversee trade business activities and partnerships, and manage the field sales team in the US and Canada.

She will also focus on delivering deeper engagement with the brand’s valuable travel agency partners.

Before joining PONANT, McIlvaine worked for adventure and expedition-focused tour operators, including Zegrahm Expeditions.

She has experience in multiple areas, including managing guest and field services.

She worked as part of onboard expedition teams in over 60 countries across all seven continents.

McIlvaine succeeds Theresa Gatta, who retired after 40 years in the industry and six years of leading the sales division of PONANT North America.

“We look forward to Ellen taking on an expanded role with PONANT,” said Navin Sawhney, CEO of Americas, PONANT.

“She will continue to bring her extensive brand knowledge and experience in nurturing sales to the travel advisor community. While we are sad to say goodbye to Theresa, we thank her for years of leadership and devotion to the company’s mission.”

PONANT now has 13 ships, including the newly refurbished sailing yacht Le Ponant and the world’s only luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.

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