Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has strengthened its global communications team with two new appointments.

Ross Walker, who has worked in digital marketing for 10 years, has joined from John Lewis to take up the newly created role of director of Global Digital and Social Strategy.

The second appointment is Louise Prior, who is taking on the role of director for Public Relations. Prior, who has worked with the CLIA UK & Ireland team since the beginning of 2018 on a consultancy basis, will be overseeing the association’s PR strategy for the UK and across Europe.

Walker and Prior are based in CLIA’s London office and will report to Megan King, CLIA’s senior vice-president, Strategic Communications.

King said: “The cruise industry is a leader in sustainable travel and tourism. We have a great story to tell. Building an interdisciplinary, transglobal communications team to tell that story has been a priority for me in 2018. The addition of Ross and Louise really brings this to life. They are top-notch talent in their disciplines who recognise the opportunity of being part of a growing, dynamic industry.”

Andy Harmer, senior vice-president for Membership and UK and Ireland director, added: “CLIA continues to invest in new talent to help ensure that our messaging and communications can cut through at an incredible time for our industry. We are delighted that Louise and Ross are now supporting those efforts from our London office, for the UK, Europe and globally.”