The Scenic Group is seeking a new UK director of sales to replace Joseph Grimley, who is leaving the business.

Grimley has opted to “semi-retire” in Northumberland and support his wife’s digital marketing company, and will remain with Scenic until a replacement is found.

David Winterton, global director of brand and marketing at Scenic Group’s Emerald Cruises, hailed Grimley’s work over the past three years.

“He has been a key part of the management team who has navigated the challenging period of Brexit and Covid,” said Winterton.

“He has built key partnerships with our industry colleagues and been part of some incredible business milestones including the announcement of our ocean products for Emerald Cruises and the launch of Scenic Eclipse.”

Winterton added: “I know everybody, from his own team and the wider UK team, will truly miss him. He leaves with nothing but our best wishes for his next adventure.”

Grimley said: “The 30-plus years I have worked in the travel industry have been an incredibly exciting adventure and I will really miss the amazing people.

“However, I’m looking forward to taking it easy and making the most of beautiful Northumberland.

“I’ll be semi-retiring and just doing a couple of days a week supporting my wife’s digital marketing company from home.”

Grimley joined Scenic from Riviera Travel, where he worked for six and a half years as the operator’s head of agency sales.

Winterton said Grimley’s replacement would be joining the business at an “exciting time” with Scenic and Emerald preparing to launch new ships.

The successful candidate will oversee trade sales in the UK for both Scenic’s brands.

The business will continue to work with the trade following Grimley’s departure, Winterton added.

“There will be no change to the incredible service our agent partners know and value from us in this time,” he said.

“We truly wouldn’t have weathered the past 18 months without the ongoing support from our trusted trade partners.”