Riviera Travel has announced that Sarah Fowler has been promoted to marketing director.

Effective from 1 July, Fowler picks up key responsibilities from Simon Michaelides, chief customer and strategy officer, who is leaving the business due to family circumstances.

The role consists of all aspects of the company brand, marketing, web sales, insight and digital.

Fowler is currently Riviera’s head of brand marketing and ecommerce. She was previously UK and Ireland head of marketing and PR at Azamara.

She will report to Riviera Travel CEO Phil Hullah and sit on the executive team.

Riviera Travel looking to ‘next phase of growth’

Fowler said: “I’m looking forward to stepping up into my new role and leading the talented marketing team we have in place at Riviera.

“These are exciting times for the business, as we look toward the next phase of growth across all channels, including the trade.

“We have a number of impactful initiatives in the pipeline to strengthen our position as the UK’s leading operator of river cruises and guided tours.”

Hullah added: “Sarah is a brilliant and passionate marketing professional, who is ideally placed to head up the team.

“We are continuing to invest in all aspects of our communications and are excited to see how the business will further strengthen its marketing, sales and customer performance with Sarah in role.

“We wish Simon all the best with his future endeavours.”

Michaelides said: “My time at Riviera has been a valuable experience, which I will carry forward with me and I’m thrilled that Sarah will be stepping up. She is an excellent marketer, with a bright career ahead of her and I wish her every success.”