New leadership team confirmed at Cosmos, Globus and Avalon
A new senior leadership team at Cosmos, Globus and Avalon Waterways has been confirmed alongside newly promoted UK managing director Lesley Taylor.
Phil Shipman becomes sales director from September 11, moving from his role as head of sales, north, for Classic Collection.
He will be responsible for all agent and trade partner activity following previous roles at G-Touring trading as Travelsphere and Just You.
Interim head of marketing Julian Harcourt becomes marketing director after joining the business last year following experience at Viking Cruises and a range of other industries.
The management overhaul follows news of the departure of former UK boss Giles Hawke to join Celebrity Cruises as vice president and managing director EMEA.
New tours, sailings and customer service developments in the pipeline for the Globus brands.
Taylor, who joined the company in 1994 and took up her new role on July 1, said: “I am delighted to be taking the reins at such an important time for our business and with our new leadership team.
“The experience and quality that both Julian and Phil bring to our business will help to complete our senior team and means we are extremely well placed for our future growth aspirations.
“Alongside our existing experienced and highly regarded UK team, these new hires add depth and breadth, along with new ideas to the operation. Agents can feel very comfortable that they will be well supported into the future.”
Shipman added: “I’ve been a fan of Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways for many years, and I’m thrilled to be joining the already impressive UK team.
“I look forward to working with them and with agents in developing our product and giving their customers the very best river cruising or touring experience.”
Harcourt said: “Ever since joining the Globus family of brands, I’ve been hugely impressed with the company, the ethos, the product offering, the customer service and the way we work with our partners across the travel trade and within the consumer space. I am hugely honoured to take on this new role.”
