Cosmos has announced the appointment of Janet Parton to director of sales.

Parton was formerly head of sales, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways. She helped communicate the escorted tour operator’s rebrand to travel trade earlier this year as well as successfully targeting new markets for luxury river line Avalon Waterways.

“During her tenure as head of sales, Janet displayed outstanding leadership abilities, an enthusiasm for sales, a passion for cruising and touring holidays and extensive product knowledge,” said Giles Hawke, CEO of Cosmos and Avalon Waterways.

“She has played a vital role in developing and strengthening our trade network and in growing the Cosmos and Avalon brands in the UK. Her genuine spirit and wealth of expertise are essential during this next period of exponential growth for us.”

Parton has over 20 years’ experience working in a sales environment, including holding senior sales positions at Carnival UK and MSC Cruises, and is currently chair of the trade engagement committee for CLIA UK and Ireland.

She leads a team of three trade account managers, including newly appointed Danielle Radford who will cover the north of England.