APT has announced the appointment of Robin Griffiths as business development manager (BDM) for the Midlands.

The move has been called “a strategic hire” by the operator, to ensure that the “luxury APT and flexible four-star Travelmarvel brands are the river cruising, small-ship sailing, and touring operators of choice for agents in the region”.

It is also the first step in the company’s trade team expansion plans.

Griffiths, who will start his new role in November, previously worked in BDM positions for brands such as Kuoni, Emirates and Gold Medal.

At APT, he will take responsibility for building relationships with key trade partners in the Midlands and identify new business opportunities.

He will also manage third-party retail accounts and provide training for local agents, and will report to head of sales and business development Brad Bennetts.

A ‘fantastic asset’ for APT

Bennetts said: “Having worked with Robin before, I know that he will hit the ground running, and his professionalism and intricate understanding of the travel trade will be a fantastic asset as we build awareness of our products and commercial opportunities for our valued agent partners.”

Griffiths added: “I am very excited to be joining APT at such an exciting time for the brand, and to raise awareness of the brands’ incredible product offerings still further in the Midlands.

“I am looking forward to helping existing trade partners to find even greater sales success, as well as introducing new agents to the myriad opportunities that APT & Travelmarvel can offer them and their clients.”

APT recently held in-person training events, providing the opportunity for agents to learn about the operator’s plans and ensure “they have the right tools for sales success”, APT said.