Royal Caribbean International has appointed a new sales director and new head of key accounts.

Martin MacKinnon will join as sales director for cruise line’s UK and Ireland senior leadership team in early April, while Donna Carley will become head of key accounts, again effective from April.

MacKinnon replaces Stuart Byron, who has held the role of interim sales director since mid-2018, enabling Byron to return to his role as insights director. Carley will be replacing Angela Hall, who leaves the company for relocation to New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean associate vice president and managing director UK & Ireland Ben Bouldin said: “We were intent on carrying out a thorough search for the role of sales director and in the end we screened over 600 candidates.

“In Martin I believe we’ve found a very credible individual with the passion for sales that this business demands. 

“Similarly, Donna has the breadth of experience and the ambition and drive to equip her very well in the role of head of key accounts. I look forward to working with them both and welcoming them to our Royal Caribbean sales team.”

MacKinnon said: “When I look at the travel sector, I’m blown-away by the growth opportunity that remains in cruise. More and more holiday makers are opting to enjoy the diverse experiences and the convenience that a cruise provides. 

Meanwhile, Carley added that was “really excited” to be joining the Royal Caribbean team “as it’s such an exciting time for the brand”

“I’m eager to apply my extensive experience in progressive sales roles to the cruise market, where there’s so much headroom for penetration growth.”