Celebrity Cruises has expanded its UK and Ireland sales team to further support travel agents ahead of Celebrity Apex starting to sail from Southampton next year.

The new recruits will bolster the team in addition to Zoe Edwards returning as a business development executive after maternity leave.

Matt Alderton is named as a strategic account manager based in the northwest, having worked within the industry for more than 10 years, most recently at Hoseasons. 

Emma Craggs has also become a strategic account manager, joining in May from Hays Travel. 

New sales, planning & activation manager Emma Birkett joins the line having worked in the travel industry for 22 years in various roles and sectors, most recently at British Airways.

Celebrity’s current field sales team from four to five with the addition of Chris Barker from Riviera Travel as a regional sales manager looking after the brand’s newly created central region.

Catherine Burns has been appointed as trade marketing manager, moving from Ordnance Survey, with Anna Penkert as a trade marketing executive from fashion firm Charles Tyrwhitt.

UK and Ireland sales director Claire Stirrup said: “We know one size doesn’t fit all, so it is extremely important that our sales team can work with trade partners in a bespoke way to meet their needs.

“I am delighted to welcome the new team together and to our brand, as they are equally excited to get out on the road, to harvest relationships with trade partners and agents.”