PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 

PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC 
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region.

    “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We are poised to deliver exceptional service and support as we embark on this exciting phase of growth, exemplifying Ponant’s ongoing efforts to nurture talent and expand its influence in key markets by leveraging the team’s experience and proven contributions.” 

    Under the changes Julie Rogers’ team has the following changes Annabelle Brown takes on the role of State Manager VIC & TAS; Janelle Ramsey becomes State Manager QLD & NT and Kristina Sambaher, State Manager NSW & ACT, with Sandra Cahill assuming position as Inside Sales Executive  

    Alan Wilcock has been employed as Business Development Manager, New Zealand, following the departure of Bianca Bratton who is following her passion for adventure, outside of the travel industry. Alan has years of experience in the travel industry spanning the airline, hotel and cruise sectors. 

    Kate Hansen has accepted a newly-created State Manager WA & SA role. Hansen comes to Ponant with many years of experience in the travel industry spanning retail travel, luxury touring, wholesale and cruise.

    The appointment allows Annabelle Brown and Janelle Ramsey to prioritise the larger metro states of Victoria and Queensland, catering to the growing needs of trade partners and their clients in these areas.  

    (Featured image: Inside Sales Executive Sandra Cahill, State Manager NSW & ACT Kristina Sambaher, Director of Sales, Asia Pacific Julie Rogers, General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific Deb Corbett, State Manager VIC & TAS Annabelle Brown, State Manager QLD & NT, Janelle Ramsey.) 

    In a parallel effort to strengthen its presence across the Asia-Pacific region, Ponant has also announced promotions and new appointments in key Asian markets: 

    Manish Sonar, previously Business Development Executive for India & Sri Lanka, has been promoted to Business Development Manager – India & SE Asia, ensuring wider support of the emerging markets in Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand, which allows Julie Rogers time to develop the strategic vision for the territories. 

    The PONANT Shanghai office managed by Jin Zhang, Head of Commercial & Marketing – North Asia sees Phoebe Liu being promoted into the newly created role of Business Development Manager – North China and a newly created role of Reservations Executive, already having been filled by new employee, Lisa Xu.

    Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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