In a notable shift within the cruise industry, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the appointment of Derek Lloyd as the new vice president of strategic and national accounts, a role previously held by Brennan Quesnele. This transition marks an exciting chapter not only for NCL but also for its sister brand, Oceania Cruises, where Quesnele will now serve as senior vice president of sales. With over three decades of experience, Lloyd is poised to harness his extensive knowledge to enhance sales strategies and strengthen partnerships across the U.S. and Canada, setting the stage for a dynamic future in cruise travel.
| Position | Name | Previous Role | New Role | Key Responsibilities | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vice President of Strategic and National Accounts | Derek Lloyd | Vice President of Field Sales for North America | Vice President of Strategic and National Accounts | Oversee national account sales across the U.S. and Canada; Lead a sales team supporting consortia partners and agencies | 30+ years in cruise industry, 25 years at NCL |
Leadership Changes at Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is making some exciting changes in its leadership team. Derek Lloyd has been appointed as the new vice president of strategic and national accounts. He takes over this important role from Brennan Quesnele, who is moving to Oceania Cruises as senior vice president of sales. These changes are effective from February 24 and show how NCL is focused on strong leadership to better serve their partners and customers.
Brennan Quesnele is known for his dedication to travel advisors, and his new position at Oceania Cruises will have him working under Frank A. Del Rio, the brand’s president. Del Rio expressed his excitement about welcoming Brennan to Oceania, highlighting his passion for travel and his ability to build strong relationships. This leadership shift aims to enhance sales strategies and partner connections as they prepare to launch three new ships in the upcoming years.
Derek Lloyd: A Seasoned Industry Veteran
Derek Lloyd is not new to the cruise industry; he brings over 30 years of experience, with nearly 25 years spent working at NCL. His extensive background makes him a perfect fit to lead national account sales across the U.S. and Canada. Before stepping into this new role, he successfully managed sales strategies and key partner relationships as vice president of field sales for North America.
With Derek at the helm, NCL looks forward to strengthening its connections with travel partners. His experience and passion for the cruise industry will be key as he guides a dedicated sales team. Derek’s leadership is expected to help NCL continue its growth and engagement with travel advisors, ensuring that their partners receive the support they need to succeed.
The Importance of Strategic Accounts
Strategic accounts are crucial for any business, especially in the travel industry. They help companies like NCL build strong relationships with key partners, such as travel agencies and consortia. By focusing on strategic accounts, NCL can better understand the needs of its partners and provide tailored support, ultimately leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
Derek Lloyd’s new role as vice president of strategic and national accounts will enable him to oversee these important relationships effectively. His experience in managing national account sales will be vital in creating strategies that benefit both NCL and its partners. This collaborative approach is essential for driving growth in the cruise industry, ensuring that everyone involved can thrive.
Oceania Cruises Welcomes New Leadership
As Brennan Quesnele transitions to his new role at Oceania Cruises, the company is optimistic about the fresh leadership. Quesnele’s passion for travel advisors and proven track record at NCL positions him well to make significant contributions. His focus will be on overseeing global sales strategies, which are crucial as Oceania prepares for the launch of three new ships in the coming years.
Frank A. Del Rio, Oceania’s president, has high hopes for Quesnele’s impact on the team. With a strong vision and excellent relationship management skills, he is expected to lead Oceania Cruises into a new era of growth. This leadership change highlights the importance of having experienced individuals in key positions to navigate the ever-evolving travel landscape.
Future Growth Plans for NCL and Oceania
Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises are gearing up for exciting growth in the near future. With the introduction of new ships and the appointment of experienced leaders, these cruise lines are focused on enhancing their offerings. Derek Lloyd’s leadership at NCL and Brennan Quesnele’s new role at Oceania are pivotal in executing their growth strategies.
The cruise industry is competitive, and companies must adapt to changing trends to stay relevant. By investing in strong leadership and fostering relationships with travel partners, both NCL and Oceania are positioning themselves for success. Exciting times lie ahead for these brands as they aim to deliver unforgettable experiences for travelers.
The Role of Travel Advisors in Cruise Sales
Travel advisors play a vital role in the cruise industry by helping customers plan their perfect vacations. They provide personalized advice, explain different cruise options, and assist with bookings. Their expertise and knowledge about cruise lines are invaluable, making them essential partners for companies like NCL and Oceania Cruises.
As Derek Lloyd emphasizes the importance of supporting travel advisors in his new role, NCL is committed to strengthening these relationships. By offering more resources and training for travel advisors, NCL aims to ensure that they can effectively promote and sell cruise vacations. This collaboration will ultimately enhance the travel experience for customers and increase sales for the cruise lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Derek Lloyd?
Derek Lloyd is the newly appointed vice president of strategic and national accounts at Norwegian Cruise Line, bringing over 30 years of cruise industry experience.
What position did Brennan Quesnele take at Oceania Cruises?
Brennan Quesnele transitioned to senior vice president of sales at Oceania Cruises, overseeing global sales strategies and partner relationships.
What will Derek Lloyd oversee in his new role?
In his new role, Derek Lloyd will manage national account sales across the U.S. and Canada, leading a sales team that supports consortia partners and agencies.
How long did Brennan Quesnele serve at NCL?
Brennan Quesnele served as vice president of strategic and national accounts at NCL since July 2022 before moving to Oceania Cruises.
What experience does Derek Lloyd have in the cruise industry?
Derek Lloyd has nearly 25 years of experience at NCL and has held various roles, including vice president of field sales for North America.
What are NCL’s future plans regarding leadership?
Norwegian Cruise Line plans to announce a new vice president of field sales to fill Derek Lloyd’s previous role.
Why is Derek Lloyd’s appointment important for NCL?
Derek Lloyd’s appointment is crucial as he aims to enhance partnerships and execute effective sales strategies, continuing the growth initiated by Brennan Quesnele.
Summary
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has appointed Derek Lloyd as the new vice president of strategic and national accounts, effective February 24. He succeeds Brennan Quesnele, who will become the senior vice president of sales at Oceania Cruises, overseeing global sales strategies. Quesnele, who has been with NCL since July 2022, is praised for his dedication to travel advisors. With over 30 years in the cruise industry, Lloyd aims to strengthen partnerships and lead sales efforts in the U.S. and Canada. NCL is also set to announce a replacement for Lloyd’s previous role.
