Fred Olsen Travel Agents has announced the appointment of Emma Pine to the newly created role of business development manager for its Dorset and Hampshire-based shops.

Pine will work with the company’s six branches across Hampshire and Dorset to help grow their business through marketing, events and brand-building opportunities.

She will also support director of retail Paul Hardwick in looking for further expansion and recruitment opportunities across the south coast.

In addition, Pine – who was most recently agency sales manager and events planner for Prestige Holidays – will work with Fred Olsen Travel Agents’ preferred partners to help deliver growth.

Hardwick said: “I am delighted to have been able to recruit someone with Emma’s experience in both the travel industry and event planning.

“She will be a huge asset to our retail branches in further developing their customer bases, as well as to our operator partners in being able to deliver more events, marketing and interaction with consumers in this key area of the country.”

Pine added: “Living on the south coast, I am aware of the great reputation that the Fred Olsen Travel Agents’ team has among its clientele.

“Having worked with them myself from a tour operator point of view, I have experienced first-hand the professionalism and knowledge that they are renowned for.

“I am really excited to be joining this amazing team and look forward to helping grow the business.”