Azamara appoints sales director for Australia and NZ, among several new leadership hires

Cruise line Azamara is continuing its revival under new owner Sycamore Partners, announcing a string of key appointments.

Belle Osmic (pictured above), who was previously regional sales manager for Australia and New Zealand, has been promoted to director of sales for the region.

Commenting on her new role, Osmic said she was “very honoured to take the next step in my Azamara journey” and “lead a stellar sales team here in this region who are able to give our travel partners the support they need across this challenging time”.

“I am looking forward to growing our brand here and helping out travel partners rebuild their business, with a focus on our upcoming 2023 and 2024 deployment release, which I know will include some of loyal guests favourite worldwide destinations, and some unique close-to-home itineraries,” she said.

“The growth and development of our sales team in Australia and New Zealand, including Natalie Bax’s promotion to sales support executive and having two experienced BDMs alongside, solidifies the importance of our market for Azamara and our parent company Sycamore Partners.”

Azamara’s other key hires include Doug Parks as chief administrative officer, captain Nico Corbijn as head of marine operations, Laura Krejci as chief information officer, and Rafael Pagliuso as general counsel.

Carol Cabezas, president of Azamara, said: “We are excited to welcome Doug, Nico, Laura and Rafael to the Azamara family.

“Following a tough year for the cruise industry, we are eager and determined to get back out on the water.

“These new additions will help lead the company to success by building out and operating key areas of the business, and ensuring our returning guests enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience with Azamara.”

Earlier this year, former Holland America Line boss Orlando Ashford joined Azamara as its executive chairman.