TUI UK & I has confirmed Christopher Hackney has been appointed as the new managing director of Marella Cruises and will take up his position from December 1st.

Hackney will report to cruise and distribution director, Helen Caron.

He joined TUI UK & I on the graduate scheme in 2001 and spent 14 years within the commercial division, holding several product, trading and cruise positions.

Hackney has also worked on the French and Russian TUI businesses, where he used his expertise and knowledge to devise and implement new product strategies for both companies.

He joined the cruise division in September 2015 as commercial director where he successfully managed the commercial aspects of launching Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2, as well as delivering two years of record trading results for the cruise business.

Caron said: “I am delighted that Chris Hackney is to become the new managing director for Marella Cruises at such an exciting time for our business as we establish the Marella brand in the UK& I cruise market, and launch of our newest ship Marella Explorer in the spring of 2018.

“Our Cruise business is core to the overall growth strategy for the UK&I business and I am confident that under his leadership Marella Cruises will go from strength to strength.”