Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways have promoted Lesley Taylor to the role of UK managing director.

The move follows the news that UK chief executive Giles Hawke is leaving to take up the position of vice-president and managing director for the EMEA region at Celebrity Cruises.

Taylor joined the company in June 1994 and has worked in commercial, product and customer experience roles.

She is currently customer experience director, responsible for customer care and people strategies.

In her new role – which she will start on 1 July – she will report to Scott Nisbet, chief executive of the Globus Family of Brands.

Appointment ‘ensures continuity’ for Avalon Waterways

Nisbet said: “This appointment ensures continuity, stability and inspiring leadership for the team and Lesley will work across all departments to ensure that we continue to focus fully on our customers, our valuable travel agency partners and our other business partners.

“I have absolute confidence in Lesley’s ability to lead the team through the coming years and continue to grow our touring and river cruise business.”

Taylor added: “I am absolutely delighted to be taking on this exciting and important role and carrying on the good work that we have been doing over recent years.

“I see a big opportunity for our brands in the UK market and have some exciting ideas to deliver even better support for our agent partners, build on our amazing team culture and work with my colleagues globally to ensure we are delivering the best possible holiday experiences for our customers.”