Claire Smith, who has been with MSC for nine years, has been promoted to Head of MSC Yacht Club and Trade Support. She now oversees MSC Yacht Club sales, a key growth area for MSC Cruises, as well as providing trade support.
MSC Yacht Club, the line’s luxury "ship-within-a-ship" offering, is available on 19 ships across the fleet and will be on all the new World Class ships, including MSC World Asia which launches in December 2026.
Meanwhile, Lauren Perks joins in the new role of Trade Support Manager. Reporting into Smith, Perks will lead a team tasked with delivering "excellent trade partner service" while also supporting the sales team. Perks has worked in the travel industry for 10 years, including roles at Tui, Celestyal and Hays Travel.
Laura Wilson has been recruited as Field Sales and Development Manager. In this new role, reporting to Head of Sales Alyshia Bartlett, Laura heads up a team of six, including five Regional Sales Managers, while also driving new business opportunities for MSC Cruises.
Wilson has extensive experience in the industry, having previously been Head of Business Development and a National Sales Manager in the cruise and travel sector.
Antonio Paradiso, MSC's Vice-President of International Sales, said: "We are delighted to welcome Laura and Lauren to the MSC Cruises family and congratulate Claire on her new role.
"We are seeing high demand for premium and luxury holidays, and as the UK is the second-largest source market globally for MSC Yacht Club, this is a key area for trade partners to focus on."
