Small-ship cruise line Azamara Cruises has appointed Peter Ryan as UK & Ireland business development manager.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in the travel industry, most recently as regional sales manager for the southeast with Celebrity Cruises.

He had been responsible for managing trade partner head office accounts, driving commercial targets and building strong relationships with the trade.

Before Celebrity Cruises, Ryan spent 14 years working with Thomas Cook, managing sales and profitability across retail branches. Prior to Thomas Cook, Ryan worked as a travel consultant for Classic Travel – Worldchoice.

Stuart Pearce, head of trade sales UK at Azamara Cruises, said: “We are so excited to have Peter join our UK team, bringing with him extensive knowledge of the travel industry.

“His wealth of experience and connections within the cruise sector will help us continue to support and build our network of independent, consortia and retail travel agents, many of whom he already has a close relationship with.”

Ryan added: “I have been a fan of the Azamara brand for many years, and so look forward to joining its UK team to help drive further growth for the company in the UK market.”