Richard Hey joins the luxury specialist after spells with If Only and The Lux Collective.

Together with southern counterpart Mark Harris, Hey will work closely with Cox & Kings trade sales managers Sarah Turner and Laura Dawson to drive the business’s agent engagement programmes.

A&K acquired C&K in December after C&K sought to break away from its Indian parent owing to its recent financial difficulties.

A&K said the addition of Hey underlined its ongoing commitment to the trade.

Managing director Kerry Golds said: “The trade is a crucial pillar of our business and has only gone from strength to strength over recent years.

“Richard’s expertise will be vital in an exciting time for A&K and C&K respectively. With both agency sales teams now focused on providing specialist knowledge, we have a solid platform on which to further pioneer the world of luxury travel with our trade partners.”

Hey added: “A&K has been groundbreaking the world of luxury since its inception. I’m excited to be joining a market leader in luxury travel at an impressive time in its history.”