Azamara’s UK boss Richard Twynam is to leave the company following a change in the leadership of the line’s UK, Ireland, EMEA, Latin America and Australia portfolio.

Twynam, who has been with the line since January 2014, is to be replaced by Patrice Willoughby, who joins as managing director International Business Development, based at Azamara’s Miami headquarters.

Azamara president and chief executive Larry Pimentel said: “Richard has been a key leader for the business and brand, having led the UK & Ireland market to new heights. We want to thank him for his important contribution to the brand’s growth and awareness.

“He has been instrumental to our success in these key markets and we want to thank him for his leadership and ongoing support.

“We are excited to welcome Patrice to the Azamara family. We have recently expanded our destination portfolio to over 1,700 land programmes, demonstrating our commitment to being leaders in Destination Immersion. We sought out Patrice to join us as she shares our passion for travel.”

Commenting on his time with the brand, Twynam said he had “huge admiration and respect for the Azamara business, brand and family”, adding: “I feel proud and privileged to have been part of the journey, setting up the UK and Ireland team in 2014 and growing revenue by over 80 per cent.

“We won more than 35 awards during this time and this is testament to the people within the business and the support that our travel and trade partners gave us.

“This business and its people will always hold a special place in my heart and I feel confident of future success in handing over the baton to Patrice.”