Cunard is expanding its North American sales organization with three new Business Development Manager appointments, strengthening regional support for travel advisors and key accounts across the U.S. and Canada.
The appointments come as the luxury cruise line continues to see increased demand following Queen Elizabeth’s North American residency and prepares for the ship’s upcoming year in Europe beginning in winter 2027.
Ruth Fernandez has been promoted to Business Development Manager, Key Accounts, Western USA & Canada, while Florentina Florescu joins the company as Business Development Manager, Key Accounts, Northeast Region, and Ian O’Ryan joins as Business Development Manager, Key Accounts, Southeast Region.
Together, the three executives bring decades of experience across the travel, cruise and hospitality industries.
Meet Cunard’s New Business Development Managers
Fernandez brings more than 20 years of travel industry experience to her new role. She previously spent three years leading Cunard’s Partner Support team, overseeing Reservations, World Club, Military Benefits and Stockholder Benefits programs. She began transitioning into her new position July 6 and is expected to complete the transition by the end of August.
Florescu joins Cunard with more than 25 years of experience in luxury travel planning and sales in the U.S. and Europe. Her previous sales roles include positions with Alex + Roberts, Star Clippers and Kuoni Group Travel Experts.
O’Ryan brings nearly 20 years of experience in travel and hospitality, with a background spanning sales, business development and strategic account management. His previous roles include positions with Rocky Mountaineer, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises and Expedia Group.
In their respective territories, the new Business Development Managers will focus on strengthening relationships with travel advisors, consortia and key accounts while providing strategic support and driving awareness and sales for Cunard’s luxury voyages.
Cunard Continues to Invest in Advisor Support
The regional appointments are part of a broader investment in Cunard’s Partner Support team. The company plans to expand the team further to help develop new accounts and provide personalized guidance to advisors who are new to the brand.
Partner Support assists travel advisors with sales development, brand education, marketing and the booking process, working alongside field-based Business Development Managers as advisors grow their Cunard business.
For more information, visit cunard.com.
