P&O Cruises has announced that Ruth Venn has been appointed as director of sales, replacing Nathaniel Sherborne, who will leave the business in early March.

Venn, previously senior business manager for strategic partnerships, will take on the new sales role, with responsibility for travel agent sales revenue and trade engagement, including training, events, communications, and sales support.

P&O Cruises said that priorities for the coming months “include growing existing travel agent partnerships and attracting new ones”, as the company prepares for the arrival of new ship Arvia in December.

P&O Cruises vice-president of brand, marketing and sales Robert Scott said: “I am delighted to promote Ruth into this position and have every confidence in her ability to take on this role with relish.

“She has over 16 years of experience in the industry as well as an infectious passion for cruising. I would also like to thank Nathaniel for the many years of service in this business and wish him every success.

“Over the past two years, agents have had to communicate so many changes and new protocols to guests it has been relentless.

“Throughout it all they, as well as our guests, have continued to support us despite the disruptions and we are determined to show our appreciation by giving all agents the support, training tools and strength of team they need to succeed.

“2022 will be a vital year for the business and there has never been a more important time to prove to the trade just how important they are to us. As our full fleet returns to service in the spring and we can, at last, see some relief from Covid, the appetite for holidays is stronger than ever.

“We are seeing such positivity from those who have sailed with us recently and reassurance from the multi-layered protocols on board and seeing strong interest in the Med, the Fjords and the Caribbean.

“Iona’s first full year of sailing and Arvia’s delivery at the end of the year will also give agents new itineraries as well as two new extraordinary, contemporary ships to sell to their customers. Ruth and her team will create opportunities for first-hand experiences on board our ships and the tools they need to maximise sales.”