Swan Hellenic has announced that Mario Bounas has been promoted to UK and Ireland general manager.

The line said that Bounas, who was vice-president of global marketing, had played a “key role in branding the resurgent company across its markets”.

He will report to senior vice-president of global sales and marketing Alfredo Spadon.

The move follows the news that UK sales director Tom Dumbrell has rejoined Tauck.

Bounas said: “I’m honoured to be leading this iconic British heritage brand into a new chapter in the UK and Irish markets and look forward to working closely with our partners to support them in their business.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Tom Dumbrell for his efforts in helping re-establish the brand in the UK over the last two years, and wish him every success in his new role.”

Swan Hellenic adding to team

Spadon added: “We’re delighted to have Mario Bounas heading our UK & Ireland operations. No one understands our unique brand attributes and values better.

“With his extensive senior-level UK trade and customer-facing experience, he’s the ideal person to grow Swan Hellenic’s distinctive presence on these markets, which are of course historically as well as strategically important for our company.”

Swan Hellenic has also appointed Patrizia Iantorno as vice-president of global marketing. She will also report to Spadon.

Iantorno said: “I’m excited to join such a dynamic team of cruise industry leaders, already fully engaged in taking this iconic and pioneering brand forward into the next phase of its history.

“With Swan Hellenic’s fleet of three exceptional ships set to be fully operational across four continents in the coming months, trade and consumers alike can look forward to some truly exciting developments.”

Swan Hellenic’s second ice-class expedition ship Vega embarked on its inaugural Arctic season in July.