Ponant is shaking things up in its Asia Pacific commercial team to better serve the needs of its trade partners.
With trade business in the region growing, the expedition cruise line has made some changes and promotions to strengthen its sales line-up, which falls under the leadership of Ponant General Manager Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett.
With immediate effect, the new recruits joining Ponant Director of Sales Asia Pacific Julie Rogers’ team are:
- Annabelle Brown, who will now be the State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania
- Janelle Ramsey, who is taking on Queensland and Northern Territory
- Kristina Sambaher, who will handle NSW and ACT
Meanwhile, Sandra Cahill has also stepped into the role of Inside Sales Executive.
On top of this, the luxury cruise company will expand further by creating the role of State Manager for Western Australia and South Australia, to which experienced travel industry professional Kate Hansen has been appointed. Hansen, who will commence her role on 20 May, has worked in retail travel, luxury touring, wholesale and cruise.
This move allows Brown and Ramsey to focus on Victoria and Queensland, making sure they meet the growing needs of their partners and clients in those areas.
“These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” Ponant Asia Pacific General Manager Sales and Marketing Deb Corbett said.
“We are poised to deliver exceptional service and support as we embark on this exciting phase of growth, exemplifying Ponant’s ongoing efforts to nurture talent and expand its influence in key markets by leveraging the team’s experience and proven contributions.”
Beyond Australia
The cruise line has also appointed Alan Wilcock as Business Development Manager, New Zealand, following the departure of Bianca Bratton, who is taking a break from the travel industry. Wilcock joins Ponant after stints in the airline, hotel and cruise sectors.
Elsewhere, in a boost to its key Asian markets, the company has promoted Manish Sonar to Business Development Manager India and SE Asia to help extend its footprint in emerging markets in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
In addition to this, the cruise line has promoted Phoebe Liu to the role of Business Development Manager – North China, based in Ponant’s Shanghai office.
In April, the cruise line unveiled the launch of exclusive voyages to places no other commercial vessel can go.
It also revealed a new luxury catamaran, the Spirit of Ponant, which promises an intimate, exclusive sailing experience for just 12 guests.
Earlier this year, the company was awarded an official Green Globe Certification, applicable to its entire fleet.
