Roberto Balasco has left Celebrity Cruises and joined Kenwood Travel as head of sales.

Balasco, who has 26 years’ experience in the travel industry including roles at Kuoni and Sandals, began his new role on July 27.

He has been tasked with driving sales to the business and working with different suppliers within the luxury sector.

Balasco said that while he loved working in the cruise industry, he was excited to get back to the luxury, tailor-made sector after spending nearly seven years at Celebrity.

“I absolutely love cruising and Celebrity was an amazing company to work for, but I was keen to work my way up to head of sales,” he said.

“I was also missing the luxury travel industry as I really love tailor-made holidays so Kenwood was a great fit.

“The company’s values really align with mine and I love the way they are growing their business with lots of recruitment and adding some new destinations and products.

“This is a really exciting time and I already feel so welcome and part of the team.”