Ponant Promotes Ellen McIIvaine to VP, Sales
by Dori Saltzman
Ponant has promoted Ellen McIIvaine from director of business development, northwest to vice president of sales for North America. She takes on the role six years after joining the company. As vice president of sales she will oversee trade business activities and partnerships, and manage the field sales team in the U.S. and Canada. She will also focus on delivering deeper engagement with the brand’s travel agency partners.
McIIvaine replaces Theresa Gatta, who made the decision to retire after 40 years in the industry, including six years leading the sales division of Ponant North America.
“We look forward to Ellen taking on an expanded role with Ponant,” said Navin Sawhney, CEO of Americas, Ponant. “She will continue to bring her extensive brand knowledge and experience in nurturing sales to the travel advisor community.”
Before joining Ponant, McIIvaine worked for adventure and expedition-focused tour operators including Zegrahm Expeditions. She is based out of Portland, Oregon.
