By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise industry veteran Ellen Bettridge has been appointed as president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection.
Joining Uniworld from her position as vice president of sales and marketing at Azamara Club Cruises, Bettridge will begin her new position on 6 August. She will be responsible for managing and overseeing Uniworld’s global business, including operations and financial performance, product development, the industry’s foremost guest experience, service enrichment and onboard/onshore programming. She will also specifically focus on growing and expanding Uniworld’s business, as well as furthering its leadership and innovation in the river cruise industry.
“It is an honour for me to take the helm of the world’s finest river cruise line,” said Bettridge. “I look forward to partnering with Brett and collaborating with the entire Uniworld team to ensure that the company continues to lead and maintain the standard of excellence in the river cruise industry, as well as to create innovative experiences, programmes and services that appeal to the most discerning and inspired travelers throughout the world.”
Brett Tollman, chief executive of TTC, said: “I have known and admired Ellen for many years. She is a superbly capable and talented travel industry professional, with an exceptional reputation and a winning track-record. I am confident that Ellen will make a consequential and instrumental contribution to Uniworld’s performance and success, and the team and I very much look forward to working closely with her.”
Bettridge succeeds Guy Young, who has been promoted and will take on two new roles at The Travel Corporation (TTC), Uniworld’s parent company. The two newly created roles include global brand engagement officer at TTC, and president of Costsaver, Trafalgar's fast-growing value brand.
“Guy and I have worked together for over 25 years now, and he has led Uniworld to new heights and exceptional accolades during his tenure of nearly a decade,” said Tollman. “We very much look forward to working closely with him as we continue to drive and grow some of the very best brands in the travel industry.”