Gold Medal Sales Director Nick Hughes is leaving the operator to head up sales for Princess Cruises.

He will join the cruise line as Sales Director for UK and Europe on 17 October, replacing Rachel Poultney, who is leaving after six years.

Nick said he was happy to be joining at what he described as ‘an exciting time in the cruise sector’.

He will report into Princess Cruises UK and Europe Vice President Eithne Williamson.

Eithne said: “Nick’s relationships within the trade allow him to build upon the strong rapport our team already has with travel agents.”

Gold Medal Managing Director Simon Applebaum described Nick as a ‘valued member’ of Gold Medal and the dnata Travel Group UK leadership team.

He added: “Thanks to his expertise and professionalism, our relationships with travel agency partners across the UK have never been stronger and have ensured we remain the trade’s favourite long haul tour operator.

“As a result of his stewardship of our sales function over the last five years, we can look to the future with optimism. 

“Princess Cruises in an important partner for us, and we’re excited by the prospect of continuing to work with Nick in his new role to maximise opportunities for both brands.

“We look forward to continuing our close partnership with Princess, fulfilling our shared commitment to agents, and converting the impressive demand for cruising that we’re seeing.”