River Thames sightseeing operator City Cruises has announced the appointment of Ian Hailes as the new commercial director for the group.
Ian Hailes holds over 18 years of experience within the commercial, marketing and product management sectors, working most recently as the head of ski and snowboard, cities and software development at Monarch Travel Group. Prior to this role, Ian worked as the secondment to head of business transformation at the group and the head of mainstream product and commercial. He has a wealth of expertise in developing strategic partnerships, implementing product and commercial strategies and working on high-value projects.
As commercial director at City Cruises, Ian will develop the company’s commercial strategy and manage all commercial aspects of the business. Ian will be responsible for defining and managing the customer experience, within a commercial context whilst implementing the company’s values and vision at all times. The role will see him maximise the company’s yield management across all products.
On the appointment, managing director Kyle Haughton said “We are delighted to welcome Ian as the new commercial director at City Cruises. His experience makes him the ideal candidate for the position and we are looking forward to the fresh thinking and new strategic direction he promises to deliver.”
Ian said of his appointment “I am delighted to begin this role at such an exciting time for City Cruises. With the recent launch of City Alpha and the refurbishment of its sister ship, City Gamma, in line for next year, there is plenty happening and I look forward to driving the commercial aspects.”
