The Cruise Portfolio has announced that Elaine Gillard has been promoted to the position of marketing director.

Gillard has been with The Cruise Portfolio – GSA for Crystal Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises –  since 2003, when she joined them for her university placement year. She later returned as sales and marketing executive in 2005.

In her new role Gillard is responsible for the management of the marketing, product and inside sales departments, planning strategies, managing budgets and implementing campaigns for the Crystal ocean, river, yacht and expedition brands, as well as Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Gillard won the Overall Cruise Line Star award at the 2018 Cruise Stars Awards. Speaking to Cruise Trade News about her win, she said: “It’s a very humbling experience to be recognised by your peers for doing a job that you love. The cruise industry is extremely unique and I am thankful to be part of it.

“This industry is growing and changing at such a pace. There is always something new, whether it’s with a particular cruise line or another; take it all in.”

The Cruise Portfolio has acted as a UK General Sales Agency for over 45 years. Its services include sales management, training, marketing solutions, long-term planning and strategy as well as offering a reservations function.