A&K Travel Group (AKTG) has announced a new, centralised leadership team as part of its ‘One A&K’ strategy, which aims to connect and synergise its Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises brands.
The company has confirmed that its Australasian division will continue to be headed up by Managing Director Debra Fox, who will also take on extra responsibilities as Executive VP of Trade Sales Asia Pacific for A&K and Crystal.
“I am absolutely delighted to be leading Crystal in the APAC market along with A&K,” Fox enthused. Based in Melbourne, she will be supported by a strong sales and marketing team, with Tony Archbold continuing as VP Sales Crystal APAC and Susan Haberle named as VP Sales & Partnerships A&K APAC.
Spearheaded by CEO Cristina Levis, the leadership team will also include Marett Taylor, who was promoted to the newly created role of Chief Sales Officer. Taylor joined A&K in 2000, and since 2013 has led the US sales team as VP of Sales from the company’s office in Illinois.
Speaking on her promotion, Taylor (pictured) said, “I’m eager to further strengthen our partnerships, innovate our sales approach, and contribute to an unforgettable journey for every A&K traveller”.
Other recent additions to the executive team include Kim Berman, Chief Legal and People Officer; Peter Chipchase, Chief Marketing Officer; and Fernando Delgado, Chief Product Officer.
They join the already well-established Martin Froggatt, Chief Destination Officer; Andrew Burrett, Chief Financial Officer; Camille Drevillon, Chief of Staff; Fabio Agostini, Chief Information Officer; and Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Chairman and Brands Ambassador.
Over in America, Amy Weyman will take on the role of Managing Director for A&K USA on top of her role as Executive VP of Marketing for the USA, while Andrew Burrett will become Managing Director for A&K UK, in addition to his current role as Chief Financial Officer of AKTG.
The ambitious strategy will also see Kim Burnan run Crystal’s Aventura office, taking on the role of Managing Director along with her current responsibilities as Chief Legal and People Office of AKTG.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Schmudde will oversee product teams worldwide as SVP Global Product Strategy for A&K; Ann Epting will remain as SVP Private Jet & Special Interest Travel. At Crystal, Roberto Fazi joins as SVP Marine and Bernie Leypold returns as SVP Hotel Operations.
“A&K Travel Group is now geared up for its next chapter of growth, with one of the industry’s finest leadership teams,” Levis reflected on the changes. “A&K and Crystal are both joined at the roots by the same vision and passion, whether on vast expanses of the sea or the wildest frontiers on land.
“The unity of these brands under the ‘One A&K’ vision is much more than a business strategy – it’s the natural fusion of our shared dedication to customer-first attention to detail and unparalleled experiences,” she concluded.
