Riviera Travel has announced that Will Sarson will replace Katja Hildebrandt, who is leaving the business after 16 years, as head of product river and ocean cruise.

Sarson, who is currently the company’s head of product strategy and long haul, will oversee Riviera’s river and ocean cruise itineraries, including planning new routes and developing current programmes.

He will continue to report to Robin Shaw, chief operating officer.

Sarson will enter a handover period for his new role from early September, before formally taking over from November, and will retain his current remit for overseeing Riviera’s long-haul product team.

As part of the move, Riviera’s capacity management team will change reporting lines from Sarson to Neil Puffett from 1 September.

Puffett is head of aviation and transport and has worked alongside the team since he joined the business in June last year.

Riviera Travel ‘taking business to next level’

Shaw said: “Will’s know-how and experience means he is ideally placed to step into this critical role.

“He and Katja have worked closely together over the past eight years on a number of initiatives related to both river and ocean cruises, so we have every confidence this will be a seamless transition.

“Will shares our ambitions to continue growing and developing our cruise programmes and we’re looking forward to him helping take the business to the next level.”

Sarson added: “Having worked closely with the cruise team over the past few years, I know what an amazing product we have in place.

“I am excited to build on all of the fantastic work that Katja has put into making our cruise offering the best in the business.”

Earlier in August, Riviera unveiled a new 10-night Athens & Greek Islands cruise and stay itinerary, in partnership with Celestyal Cruises.