The role sees McAuley leading the marketing, trade sales, and product and commercial teams across trade brands Gold Medal and Travel 2.

Her appointment follows that of John Bevan as dnata Travel’s new chief executive officer B2B Europe and its new sales director Nick Hughes. McAuley will join the business in January.

Reporting to Bevan, McAuley is currently Silversea’s managing director UK and Ireland. Prior to joining Silversea, she held senior positions at Avis Budget Group, Lunn Poly, Shearings and Skibound.

Iain Andrew, divisional senior vice president, dnata Travel said: “I am thrilled to appoint Lisa to this key role within our business. Her leadership experience will be invaluable in driving our business from strength to strength to deliver even more for our agent partners. I look forward to supporting her and her team in the new year.”

McAuley will be primarily based in the Preston office, with regular presence in the Glasgow office.

In a statement, Silversea confirmed the departure of McAuley, who joined the line in 2015 and said the search was “currently in place” to recruit her replacement.

“Since joining Silversea in 2015, Lisa has overseen the development and launch of our newest ship, Silver Muse, in the UK market and created and maintained a strong relationship with UK trade agents,” the line said.

“We wish her well and would like to thank her for her dedicated service to the cruising industry since joining us.”