Silversea has appointed Lisa McAuley to the new role of UK commercial director.

McAuley joins Silversea from car rental company Avis where she pursued a distinguished 15-year career, holding several senior commercial roles within the business.

She has a highly successful background in sales and in strategic directorship, and in managing and motivating commercial teams.

Prior to joining Avis, McAuley held a number of sales roles in the travel industry, including at Travelpack, STS Shearings Holidays, Swallow Hotels (Marriott) and Lunn Poly/TUI Travel.

She is expected to take up Silversea role in June and will report to Steve Odell, president of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for the luxury cruise line.

The new appointment follows other important changes within the sales team at Silversea, with Natasha Donovan appointed acting head of field sales and national accounts.

Donovan joined Silversea in 2011 with responsibility for the London and south-east region, and most recently was appointed manager national accounts.

Odell commented: “Lisa’s strong commercial track record will be a further invaluable asset within Silversea and we are delighted that she has chosen to work with such a talented UK team.

“Our re-energised sales structure will enable us to build even stronger relations with our trade partners and continue to offer great value voyages to our guests as Silversea expands further within the crucial UK market.”

Silversea offers guests a choice of eight ships, accommodating between 100 and 540 people, and a cruise programme that encompasses all seven continents and over 800 destinations.