Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has appointed Ellen Bettridge to the roles of president and chief executive.

Bettridge succeeds Guy Young who is being promoted and will take on two new roles at The Travel Corporation, Uniworld’s parent company.

She will begin her new position effective August 6th 2016, and Young will work with her to ensure a smooth transition prior to joining TTC.

The announcement was made today by Brett Tollman, chief executive of TTC.

He explained: “It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome Ellen to our team at Uniworld.

“I have known and admired Ellen for many years.

“She is a superbly capable and talented travel industry professional, with an exceptional reputation and a winning track-record.

“I am confident that Ellen will make a consequential and instrumental contribution to Uniworld’s performance and success, and the team and I very much look forward to working closely with her.”

Bettridge will be responsible for managing and overseeing Uniworld’s global business, including operations and financial performance, product development, the industry’s foremost guest experience, service enrichment and on-board/onshore programming.

She will also specifically focus on growing and expanding Uniworld’s business, as well as furthering its leadership and innovation in the river cruise industry.

Bettridge said: “It is an honour for me to take the helm of the world’s finest river cruise line.

“I look forward to partnering with Brett and collaborating with the entire Uniworld team to ensure the company continues to lead and maintain the standard of excellence in the river cruise industry, as well as to create innovative experiences, programmes and services that appeal to the most discerning and inspired travellers throughout the world.”

Bettridge joins Uniworld from Azamara Club Cruises where she served as vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for growing Azamara’s markets in the Americas as well as developing strategic relationships with trade and marketing partners.