Former Azamara UK boss Richard Twynam has joined Scenic Group as the company’s UK and Ireland managing director.

Twynam will take up the position on October 31 and joins from healthcare firm Prenetics, where he was managing director of cruise and travel testing.

He has held freelance and part-time roles in travel since leaving four-ship line Azamara in April 2020.

In his new role, the industry stalwart will oversee both Scenic and Emerald Cruises.

Scenic Group chief sales and marketing officer Anna Wolfsteiner said Twynam’s appointment was “a major coup” for the company and would “further strengthen its presence in the trade”.

“Richard is a real heavy-hitter in the business, who has experience running travel brands with a reputation for great customer service and unique customer propositions,” she said.

“We’re delighted he is joining us to help spearhead our growth plan.”

Twynam said: “I am truly thrilled to be joining the Scenic Group family and to have the opportunity to lead the UK team in Manchester.

“Both Scenic and Emerald Cruises are market leaders and the future growth plans are very exciting. I can’t wait to get started.”

Scenic Group said: “Twynam is well known in the UK travel industry and boasts a wealth of experience in the cruise sector, most notably for his role as UK managing director at Azamara.

“He has also headed up the cruise operation at Kuoni UK and was managing at Virgin Holidays Cruises.”