Oceania Cruises has announced changes to its UK sales team following the departure of sales director Priti Mehta.

Louise Craddock has been promoted to sales director UK and Ireland, replacing Mehta, who has left the business to pursue a new career opportunity after six years with the company.

Craddock, who has been with the brand for nearly 10 years, most recently as sales manager south, has almost 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry.

In addition, Alex Farquharson has been promoted to senior manager key accounts, and James Scott to sales manager south.

Oceania said it was “well on the way to appointing a new sales manager north and it is expected the team will be fully operational in their new roles before the end of the year”.

Oceania Cruises senior vice-president and MD EMEA Bernard Carter said: “I am delighted to announce these exciting changes to the UK and Ireland sales team as we continue our return-to-service journey.

“This is a critical and exciting time for the global cruise industry. This restructure puts Oceania Cruises in the best possible position to work effectively and efficiently with our trade partners.

“Louise has been a valued member of our team for almost 10 years and her stepping up to sales director is a fantastic opportunity to utilise her exemplary brand and industry knowledge and business acumen, combined with her tenacity and drive to take the Oceania Cruises UK sales operation into a new era.

“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Priti for her stewardship of the UK sales team, and for her invaluable support to myself, her team and our trade partners, particularly over the last two years. I am expecting great things for her over the coming weeks, months and years.”

Craddock added: “I am thrilled to be given this opportunity at such an exciting time for Oceania Cruises as we return to service after the pandemic shutdown and prepare for the delivery of our seventh ship, Vista, in early 2023.

“This is the perfect time to re-energise and re-engage with our fantastic trade partners. I have a brilliant team to support these partners and me in my new role.”