Cosmos has appointed Janet Parton to the role of sales and marketing director.

Parton, who has been sales director for Cosmos and Avalon Waterways since 2017, will take responsibility of the marketing function in addition to her current role overseeing the trade sales team.

Chief executive of Cosmos and Avalon Waterways UK, Giles Hawke, said: “Janet’s commercial focus will be hugely beneficial to the marketing team as we look to drive demand once we are through this challenging period.

He added: “Her focus on getting the best out of her people will be a real benefit. It’s an exciting time for us as we align our trade sales and marketing efforts more closely to increase our trade business.”

The sales team is dedicated to the travel agent community across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and has grown under Janet’s leadership.

The expansion of Parton’s role follows the departure of marketing director, Claire Hazle, earlier this month.

Parton said: “I am thrilled to be taking on the Marketing team and to be part of the businesses’ continued growth.

“Travel agents continue to be an integral part of booking holidays with Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways. Implementing our Trade strategy whilst supporting and aligning the Marketing team will I’m sure be of huge benefit to our agents.

I’m thoroughly excited to get started and take on this new challenge.”

Parton has more than 20 years’ experience working in the travel industry, including senior sales positions at Carnival UK and MSC Cruises and is currently chair of the Trade Engagement Committee for CLIA UK and Ireland.

Visit cosmos.co.uk for more information.