Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be waving a fond farewell to Mike Evans, the company’s head of sales, in April next year, after an impressive 27-year career with the company.

Evans is very well-known within the travel industry, having worked in many areas of the travel trade, including retail, tour operating, tourist boards and airline sales, across a career spanning over 40 years.

He joined Fred. Olsen in 1992, back when the company operated only one ship, the Black Prince.

Evans said: “I have decided to retire from Fred. Olsen at the end of April next year, having spent 27 years and a large part of my working life at this company.

“It is a tough decision to make, but one that I am happy with, as I have a lot of plans to fulfil in my retirement.

“It has been a great pleasure and privilege to work with such excellent colleagues, friends and travel trade partners for so long, and I am certain that there is a great future ahead for both the company and the relationships that we have built up over the past 27 years.”

Evans has fulfilled a number of roles within Fred. Olsen’s sales department over the years, including regional sales manager for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

He took over his most recent role at Fred. Olsen – as head of sales – in April last year, which has led to him playing a pivotal part in developing the company’s relationship with the important travel trade, and overseeing the sales team, both in-house and field-based.

Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are very sad to be saying goodbye to such a close colleague as Mike, but of course, we all wish him the best on his retirement, which is very well-deserved!”

Kirsty Reid

Also at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Kirsty Reid has been appointed as a new account manager, with effect from November 19th.

Reid will report directly into Mathew Foxcroft, Fred. Olsen field sales manager.

She has been promoted from her previous role as trade support executive within the sales team – providing sales support to Fred. Olsen’s important travel trade partners.

Reid said: “I am delighted to be joining the field sales team and can’t wait to take the next step in my career here at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“I have loved every minute of my role working with our valued trade partners, so having the opportunity to be field based and working with them full time is a dream come true.”