Celestyal Appoints Brandon Townsley Vice President & Managing Director - North America

03.10.2023 - 18:57 / travelpulse.com / North America / TravelPulse Staff / Patrick Clarke

Brandon Townsley. (Photo Credit: Celestyal)

WHY IT RATES: Townsley brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record of success in customer relationship management in addition to a strong network across agencies and consortia.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor

Celestyal, the award-winning, unmissable choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, continues to invest and expand in its key markets with the appointment of Brandon Townsley as Vice President & Managing Director – North America.

Townsley brings a blend of skills and high-level experience in the cruise and travel sector having spent 16 years at NCL, as well as a combination of both large blue-chip and start-up travel organization experience. He has experienced many years of success in customer relationship management and has a strong network across agencies and consortia.

Townsley joins from Crystal Cruises in Miami, Florida where he was tasked with building and leading a commercial sales team and garnering the support of the North American travel trade networks amidst the launch of a new start-up company and the refresh of one of the iconic luxury cruise brands.

Prior to that, he was a member of the executive team that launched Ocean Voyages, Florida introducing a new luxe-adventure brand to the luxury cruise segment. He also spent several years as Director of Business Development & Strategy with Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises.

Townsley’s primary focus at Celestyal will be to develop and execute the strategic business plan for North America, repositioning the business as a tour provider of multi-destination and experience immersive itineraries. More specifically, he will be focused on building tour packages, trade training and accelerating the distribution channels that support Celestyal’s strategic brand positioning. He will be charged with leading and mentoring the North American team and releasing the full potential of the regional market. Townsley will report to Celestyal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lee Haslett.

“I am delighted to welcome Brandon to my leadership team and to the Celestyal family. I am confident that with his unique blend of cruise and customer experience along with his strong business and leadership acumen, he will prove to be an invaluable asset to the team and realize the full potential of the North American market,” said Haslett.

“Celestyal has a clear path and genuine ambition, and I am thrilled to accept the opportunity to be part of their mission. There is a clear mandate to grow and invest in the North American market, and I intend to leverage my experience and relationships to spearhead welcomed growth in North America. My intent is to position Celestyal as the leading