Cruise Planners has announced key changes and promotions within its organization to solidify its executive team. Theresa Scalzitti, who is a 28-year veteran of the travel industry and was formerly chief sales officer, is now the chief operations officer. She celebrates seven years at Cruise Planners and was recently named the Godmother of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Traveller. Scalzitti has contributed to the success of Cruise Planners through the development of new marketing programs, strong annual sales growth and oversight of several new programs and tools. Scalzitti will continue to oversee the departments of Sales, Marketing, Business Development, Groups, CPV, Franchise Marketing, PR and Corporate Relations, Business Intelligence, Creative Programs, Special Programs and CARE team for Cruise Planners.
In addition, former SVP of Strategic Development Scott Koepf has been promoted and will move into the role of chief strategy officer. He is a 38-year industry veteran, CLIA "Hall of Fame" recipient and has been a valued member of the executive team for five years. Koepf has contributed to the success of Cruise Planners through his oversight of their training programs, events team and franchise sales. He will continue to oversee the departments of Franchise Sales, Training and Events.
The C-Suite at Cruise Planners now consists of Michelle Fee, CEO and founder; Brian Shultz, chief information officer; Scalzitti, chief operating officer and Koepf, chief strategy officer.
Cruise Planners also welcomed Jeffrey Sherota as vice president, operations. Sherota is a 27-year travel industry veteran and spent the past 15 years as a part of the executive team at Word Travel Holdings. This new role will be responsible for oversight of Cruise Planners CARE Team, Franchise Marketing and Special Programs. Sherota will report to Scalzitti.
“As the travel industry continues to bounce back with incredible fervor, we have been very strategic in hiring experienced industry veterans to ensure Cruise Planners continues to be an industry leading innovator offering our network of advisors the best in training, technology, marketing and support,” said Fee.
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