Scott Koepf to Join Cruise Planners

Cruise Planners, the home-based travel agency network, has hired 30-year veteran Scott Koepf as vice president of strategic development, leading the organization’s training and events teams.

In a press release, the American Express Travel Representative franchisor, located in Coral Springs, Florida, said Koepf will support the growth of the Cruise Planners network and help the company explore “new opportunities for strategic development.”

Koepf most recently served as senior vice president of sales at Avoya Travel, a host agency network based in San Diego, and is a contributor to Travel Market Report. His contacts in the industry are deep, having been president of the National Association of Certified Travel Agents from March 2008 to September 2010, prior to joining Avoya.

In addition, Koepf has held prominent positions in the trade with Sabre Holdings, Nexion, and was president and CEO at Cruise Holidays.

“Using his natural motivational training style and tapping into his keen marketing and sales experience, he will help Cruise Planners travel agents continue to develop their franchises,” the company said in a press release.

“I am beyond excited to be joining the Cruise Planners family and to be a part of such a successful and fast-growing company,” said Koepf, who will join Cruise Planners in March. “I started my career in travel as a cruise franchise owner and now, I am coming back full circle to help each Cruise Planners franchisee achieve their goals.”

“Scott has a proven track record as a great communicator, entertainer and leader,” said Cruise Planners CEO and Founder Michelle Fee, who has known Koepf for more than 20 years. Fee said Koepf’s background “allows us to tap into his diverse experience, skills and knowledge. Having Scott on our team will help us continue our mission to innovate, grow and evolve.”

There was no news from Avoya at press time about a replacement for Koepf, who played a prominent role in the company’s annual agent conference. Koepf has a regular column with Travel Market Report, and has participated in the company’s annual Travel MarketPlace conference in Canada.