Cunard Expands North America Sales Organization with Three Appointments

Cunard is strengthening its North American sales team with three new appointments, bringing more extensive regional support to travel advisors and key accounts across the Northeast, Southeast, Western U.S., and Canada.

As part of the changes, Ruth Fernandez has been promoted to business development manager, key accounts for the Western USA & Canada. She began transitioning into the position on July 6 and is expected to complete the transition by the end of August. Fernandez brings more than 20 years of travel industry experience. Prior to her promotion, she spent 3 years leading Cunard’s Partner Support team, overseeing Reservations, World Club, Military Benefits, and Stockholder Benefits programs.

Florentina Florescu joins Cunard as business development manager, key accounts for the Northeast region of the U.S. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, spanning luxury travel planning and sales across both the U.S. and Europe, and has previously held sales positions at Alex + Roberts, Star Clippers, and Kuoni Group Travel Experts.

Ian O’Ryan joins the team as business development manager, key accounts for the Southeast region of the U.S. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, across sales, business development, and strategic account management. He has held roles with Rocky Mountaineer, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Expedia Group.

In their respective territories, each new BDM will focus on strengthening relationships with travel advisors, consortia, and key accounts, providing strategic support to trade partners and driving awareness and sales growth for Cunard.

“Travel advisors are central to Cunard’s continued growth in North America,” said Liz Fettes, senior vice president, commercial North America. “Florentina, Ruth, and Ian bring deep industry experience and a relationship-driven approach that will help us strengthen our valued trade partnerships and ensure advisors across North America have the support they need to grow their Cunard business.”

Alongside the regional appointments, Cunard is also continuing to invest in its dedicated Partner Support team, with plans in place to expand the team further in order to effectively develop new accounts and provide personalized guidance to new-to-Cunard travel advisors.

Partner Support assists advisors with sales development, brand education, marketing, and the booking process. The team works closely with field-based business development managers to provide continued support as advisors grow their Cunard business.