Azamara moves UK base as commitment to market is strengthened

Azamara is reinforcing its presence in the UK with a new office as it builds support for what the line describes as a “cornerstone” source market.

The US small-ship line is relocating of its UK headquarters to Woking from Weybridge in Surrey, further developing its in-house call centre operations and placing several senior global leadership roles in the UK.

The key global roles that will now be based in the UK include port operations director Julian Poston and food and beverage operations director Wayne Fannon.

A further global role to be based in the UK is a new dedicated international groups lead, created in response to rising demand for bespoke group cruise experiences.

Rowan Sharma has also been named as international junior graphic designer, reporting to international marketing manager Natalie Holder to focus on creating visuals to enhance the brand’s presence and strengthen partnerships across regions.

Described as a “multi-faceted’ investment, the eight-mile move to Woking represents a “strategic enhancement” of the line’s UK footprint, “providing new contemporary office facilities designed to host onsite trade partner and global meetings”. 

The new global positions will complement the company’s UK sales team under UK & Ireland sales director Stuart Pearce.

Chief international sales officer David Siewers said: "The UK market is absolutely fundamental to our global success. 

"This is a market we’re continuously investing in, and our commitment has never been stronger. This underscores the pivotal role the UK hub plays in our worldwide strategy.

"In recent months, we’ve announced three educational Seminars at Sea and an exclusive Masterclass at Sea, established our Partner Advisory Panel, and strengthened our engagement with the UK trade community at every level. 

“Today’s announcement is further demonstration of our determination to become more deeply embedded within the UK travel trade."