Abercrombie & Kent sales manager Rachel Healey is to leave the luxury operator to join Uniworld.
A&K’s director of sales Simon Lynch will be the point of contact in the interim while the company recruits two new agency sales managers.
Healey, who has been with A&K for nearly five years, will start her new role as Uniworld’s national sales manager on April 3.
She replaces Dave Chidley who left the river cruise line last week to join Fred Holidays.
Healey will report into managing director Chris Townson and be responsible for growing sales for the luxury river cruise line and its sister brand U by Uniworld.
She will oversee the brands’ sales team comprising James Howlett, Lucy Hone and Theonita Nechita.
Kerry Golds, A&K managing director, said: “Rachel has worked hard over the last five years to spearhead A&K’s growth within the trade community producing sensational results. Her vibrancy and friendliness within the agent community is legendary – we will all miss Rachel and wish her well on her next challenge.”
Chris Townson, Uniworld managing director, said: “Rachel brings with her an exceptional industry track record and a fantastic contacts book, particularly within the luxury sector. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team, and look forward to her strengthening our valued existing partnerships, introducing our award-winning brand to new and relevant agents and helping to build on the buzz of the U by Uniworld launch, bringing this innovative new river cruise experience to market.”
Healey said: “It’s a hugely exciting time to be joining Uniworld, with the launch of a new Super Ship – the S.S. Beatrice – on the Lower Danube and the first sailing of U by Uniworld, which is really shaking up the river cruising industry. I can’t wait to start sharing these opportunities further within the travel agent community.”
Prior to Abercrombie and Kent, Healey held roles at USAirtours Holidays, Qantas Holidays and Travel 2 Ltd.