Royal Caribbean has appointed Aaron Langford as senior sales director of UK and Ireland following the departure of Stuart Byron earlier this year

The line has also promoted Nicki Lewis to sales enablement director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Previously based in the revenue management team at Royal Caribbean’s UK headquarters between 2008 and 2019, Langford relocated with his family to Miami in 2020 to take on a centralised revenue management role.

His new role, which starts in June, will take him full circle as he once again joins the leadership team in the UK.

With 16 years of experience at Royal Caribbean Group, which has included roles with both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, as well as a secondment based at the company’s Shanghai office when the line began cruising from China, Langford’s main focus will be to strengthen trade partnerships.

“I’m thrilled to come back to the place where it all began nearly 16 years ago, and I’m delighted to continue my journey with this outstanding company,” he said.

“The UK and Ireland market is pivotal for the future growth of Royal Caribbean International, and I’m excited to lead what I believe to be the best sales team in the industry.”

Royal Caribbean director of sales Stuart Byron stepped down from his role in January this year to “take on a new challenge” outside of the industry.

Royal Caribbean promotes Nicki Lewis

Fellow Royal stalwart Lewis, who was previously the line’s sales enablement manager of EMEA, will oversee the trade marketing function and the revenue management team liaison across the EMEA region in her new role.

She will continue to lead the UK sales function for Royal until Langford joins the team in June.

Ben Bouldin, vice president of EMEA, Royal Caribbean, added: “Having worked hand in hand with Aaron over the years, I am delighted to welcome him back to the UK to take on an exciting new challenge in his career.

“It has also been a great pleasure to promote several team members in recent weeks, including the amazing Nicki Lewis who has been with the business for more than 30 years. Career growth is incredibly important to everyone at Royal Caribbean, and I’m immensely proud to be part of a business where we recognise, invest in, and develop talent globally.”