Regent Seven Seas Cruises has strengthened its workforce in Australia and New Zealand to support travel partners with the recruitment of four strategic new hires.
Leading the sales team, Gillian Seller, Director of Sales Australia and New Zealand has welcomed Scott Graham and Christine Yatridis, both as new Business Development Managers, Lauren Bevan who joins the team as a new Sales Coordinator, and Suzette Yu who recently joined as a Business Development Executive, supporting the sales team.
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“We’re delighted to be growing our local team and we welcome Scott, Christine, Lauren and Suzette to the Regent family,” said Lisa Pile, Vice President Australia & New Zealand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“By adding more sales professionals on the ground in Australia and New Zealand, we’re enhancing the support we offer to our network of travel advisors who will benefit from their energy, innovative new ideas, collective expertise, and diverse industry experience,” Pile said.
One of the first activities for Regent’s new team members has been meeting with travel partners and their clients in a series of face-to-face Anticipate the Journey events to promote Upgrade Your Horizon, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ most compelling offer ever.
Scott Graham = New Business Development Manager, NSW, ACT, QLD & NT
Scott Graham
With more than 13 years’ experience in the luxury cruise industry, Scott will be based in Sydney whilst supporting travel advisors in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“I’ve always admired Regent Seven Seas Cruises as one of the most iconic brands in luxury cruising, and I’m excited to work with such a passionate team to support our valuable trade partnerships. I know there are plenty of eager guests looking forward to setting sail again, and I can’t wait to meet more travel advisors and their clients face-to-face to help grow their Regent business – it’s going to be a fantastic year,” Graham said.
On a personal note, Scott has his heart set on spending time in Alaska to experience the region’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, so he’s adding Seven Seas Mariner’s Magnificent Juneau voyage from Seward to Vancouver to his travel bucket list. Closer to home, Scott cites Tasmania as one of his favourite destinations, especially the coastal Freycinet National Park.
Christine Yatridis, New Business Development Manager, VIC/SA/TAS/WA
Christine Yatridis
Based in Melbourne, Christine brings 30 years of travel industry expertise, including cruise, to her new role. She looks forward to harnessing the positive sentiment returning to the industry as borders re-open and consumers plan their dream voyages once again.
“It’s truly a privilege to represent such a prestigious and sophisticated cruise line. I am eager to reconnect and collaborate with industry colleagues and trade partners to grow the Regent brand even further and to share the unrivalled space, luxury and personalised service the Regent name represents with guests,” said Yatridis. “I’m especially excited about the arrival of our newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, scheduled for delivery in 2023, and am looking forward to seeing the Chanel-inspired décor in the Chartreuse fine dining restaurant.”
A dedicated beach goer, Christine names Sorrento, Lorne and Noosa among her favourite Australian coastal towns, but admits she can’t wait to return to the Mediterranean as soon as possible for a long-anticipated European holiday.
Lauren Bevan, New Sales Coordinator, Australia and New Zealand (Trade)
Lauren Bevan
With a background in reservations and sales and marketing for a boutique river cruise line, Lauren’s new role will offer hands-on support to the Regent Sales team based out of Sydney, with a focus on trade.
“Regent Seven Seas Cruises has the most beautiful fleet of luxury ships and I’m excited to have this opportunity to support such an incredible team, who operate like a family. I haven’t sailed with Regent yet, but I cannot wait to experience the unrivalled service our crew are renowned for providing onboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Bevan.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Lauren’s focus will be making up for lost travel time, including attending family weddings and spending New Year’s Eve in dazzling Dubai.
Suzette Yu, Business Development Manager, Executive Support, Australia and New Zealand
Suzette Yu
Based in Sydney, Suzette has enjoyed an extensive career in cruising over 10 years, with a focus on direct marketing and events. Most recently, she held a sales administration role, supporting a large team and key trade partners across Asia Pacific.
“I am excited to be part of a team who is so passionate about its work, led by a stellar line-up of the very best luxury cruise experts. I am also looking forward to stepping onboard The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built, Seven Seas Explorer when she journeys to Australia later this year,” Yu commented.
On the personal front, Suzette is keen to begin an eagerly anticipated home renovation project this year, and to take a long overdue trip to Toronto, Canada to finally meet her two new nephews in person.
Welcome back Wendy
Wendy Collins
Regent is further delighted to welcome back Wendy Barron (née Collins) to the role of Business Development Manager, New Zealand, following a period of maternity leave. With pent-up travel demand at an all-time high, her hands-on experience and positive approach will be a welcome addition to Regent’s expanding presence in New Zealand, and on-the-ground support for local travel partners and their clients.
“I am thrilled to be getting back out on the road, visiting our loyal trade partners in the region, and supporting them in growing luxury cruise once again in New Zealand,” Barron said.
“My first international travel destination will most definitely be my old hometown in NSW, as I have not seen my sister or nephew for over two years. Further into the future though, I’m picturing a luxury cruise with Regent around Southeast Asia!”
