TUI has appointed Christopher Hackney as Managing Director of Marella Cruises, effective December 1. Hackney will report to the Director of Cruises and Distribution, Helen Caron.

Richard Sofer left the position last month to become the new Commercial Director of TUI UK and Ireland.

After 14 years as a salesman and in various positions, Hackney reached the management of the company just two years after joining as Commercial Director of the cruise division with excellent results.

Helen Caron said: “I am delighted that Chris Hackeny is the new Managing Director of Marella Cruises at such an exciting time for our business as we establish the Marella brand in the UK market and launch our new ship, the Marella Explorer, next spring. Our cruise division is at the heart of our growth strategy for the UK market, and I am confident that under his leadership, Marella Cruises will continue to grow stronger.”