A&K Travel Group builds global trade support with new hires

A&K Travel Group, the parent company of Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, has announced new hires and promotions within its trade sales teams.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time at A&K Travel Group,” said Chief Sales Officer Marett Taylor in a press release. “With strong forward bookings and a record year of 2023 sales, the successful relaunch of Crystal, and an amazing group of new sales leaders, we are poised for great success.”

“We remain dedicated to our travel advisor community and equipping our sales teams to deliver the highest level of service. We have robust plans to expand educational opportunities, invest in sales and marketing resources, and offer other initiatives to help our trade partners grow their businesses.”

In Crystal’s Aventura office, Glen Rothe joins as VP, trade sales at Crystal. He will be responsible for managing trade relationships and sales for Crystal. 

Rothe brings 30 years of experience in the travel industry and extensive cruise industry experience from Norwegian Cruise Line where he was responsible for $1 billion in revenue and led successful sales teams for more than a decade.

According to a press release, he will be recruiting four new sales directors for North America and multiple inside account executive roles to enhance Crystal’s support for the U.S. and Canada trade partners.

Jacqueline Leyva has also joined Crystal as VP, trade reservations, air, and turnaround operations in the Aventura office, providing reservations leadership support for both North America and LATAM trade partners.

She also brings 30 years of industry experience, having worked for companies such as SeaDream Yacht Club, Cunard, and Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Meanwhile, Sharla Smith has joined as Crystal's regional sales director, Central USA bringing more than 20 years of experience and strong performance in the cruise industry from past sales roles at Scenic, Paul Gauguin and Royal Caribbean. 

As well, in A&K’s London office, Jennifer Charlton joins as SVP, trade sales and business development, UK and EMEA for Abercrombie & Kent.

Internal Promotions

Several team members have also earned promotions, including:

• Shawn Johnson, SVP Sales, North America, A&K
• Jay Warren, VP Sales, North America, A&K, A&K DMCs and Sanctuary Retreats
• Oscar Dunn, VP Cruise Sales, A&K and Crystal
• Kim Guimaraes, VP, National Accounts, A&K and Crystal
• Stephen Loughlin, National Accounts Business Specialist, A&K and Crystal
• Rob Cifuentes, Director of Sales, LATAM, A&K and Crystal
• Natalia Pessoa, Director of Sales, Brazil & Argentina, A&K and Crystal
• Greice Penteado, GP Marketing, General Sales & Marketing Agent, Brazil, A&K and Crystal

In APAC, the team will continue to be led by industry veteran, Debra Fox, EVP of trade sales Asia Pacific, supported by Tony Archbold as VP of Sales.

A new director of sales – Asia Pacific is being recruited and will be announced in due course, with additional trade support positions added already.

"Our outstanding sales leaders have the knowledge, experience and passion to take A&K Travel Group to new heights. I look forward to working closely with them to recruit additional talent to drive success, deliver exceptional travel experiences and strengthen partnerships throughout our travel advisor community,” Taylor added.

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