VP Sales & Marketing (W/M/X)

Company Description

Orient Express

Artisan of Travel since 1883, Orient Express is a legendary brand, deeply rooted in history and admired by generations past, present, and future. As a symbol of ultra-luxury hospitality, the brand is currently undergoing an ambitious phase of rebirth and expansion accelerated since 2024 as a Joint Venture between ACCOR and LVMH. 

Our unparalleled portfolio redefines luxury travel and hospitality. At its heart is the iconic Orient Express, with its legendary carriages reimagined as a modern tribute to French luxury. We further expand this vision through strategic partnerships, including our collaboration with ARSENALE Group to launch 'La Dolce Vita' — a train celebrating Italian art de vivre — and introduce exquisite hotels such as O.E La Minerva in Rome, with O.E Palazzo Dona Giovannelli in Venice soon to follow. Additionally, our collaboration with Orient Express Sailing Yachtsbrings to life the Orient Express Corinthian, poised to be the world’s largest sailing ship.

While redefining the future of luxury hospitality, Orient Express places particular emphasis on the employee experience, development, and engagement. 

Orient Express Sailing Yachts

140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the launch of the world's largest sailing ships, the Orient Express Corinthian. A revolution in maritime history, and a fabulous project that pushes back the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between Accor, the world leader in hospitality, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the world's leading cruise ship builder. This extraordinary sailing ship of the future, with its spectacular interiors, will set sail in 2026.

Job Description

Dedicated to Orient Express Sailing Yachts, the Vice-President Sales and Marketing  is responsible for managing and optimizing the sales and marketing activities.

It is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing comprehensive sales strategies. This position involves defining and implementing action plans aligned with objectives and strategies, advising on tactical activities, and overseeing various aspects of sales management. 

The VP Sales and Marketing works in partnership with Revenue and Brand leads to ensure the assets benefit from robust commercial plans in place to drive top line revenues 

She/he focuses on ensuring robust strategies are in place across all sales managed segments – Chartering, Corporate, MICE, Consortia, TMC & Leisure. 

She/he collaborates with Orient Express Sales team and Accor Global Sales Teams to ensure commercial strategies align with Silenseas’ strategies. 

She/he inputs on sales structure, key sales recruitment and on-boarding e.g. director of Sales, marketing positions, manager of sales… 

She/he builds high value working relationships with internal stakeholders. 

She/he key liaises with Accor Global Sales Teams on specific sales actions and activities relevant to our assets, ensuring deliverables are being met 

Orient Express Sailing Yachts cruises are aimed at the ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI) clientele, therefore, in-depth knowledge of ultra luxury and marketing methods for this type of product is important. 

The Orient Express Sailing Yachts ships are tailor-made to accommodate the mice and privatizations of large firms and individuals eager to meet in complete privacy in the passageways of the largest sailboats in the world, a contact directory will be an important asset. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

Define and Implement Action Plans 

• Develop comprehensive action plans in alignment with defined objectives, sales and marketing strategies.  

• Ensure the execution of plans to achieve long-term objectives while adapting to evolving market conditions. 

Tactical Activities 

• Advise and implement tactical activities to achieve short-term sales objectives. 

• Collaborate closely with internal resources to drive effective and targeted sales campaigns. 

Revenue Monitoring 

• Monitor sales revenue, analyse performance data, and collaborate with revenue management to optimize pricing and revenue strategies. 

• Implement corrective actions based on data insights to enhance revenue performance. 

Professional Events Representation 

• Coordinate and represent the portfolio at professional events to strengthen relationships with key industry stakeholders. 

• Leverage events to identify new business opportunities and enhance brand visibility. 

Account Portfolio Management 

• Manage a portfolio of key accounts, nurturing relationships and maximizing revenue opportunities. 

• Collaborate with global sales teams to identify and pursue new account acquisition opportunities. 

• Develop existing portfolio of the UHNWI’s commercial network 

Guidance and Training 

• Provide guidance and training to Directors of Sales teams, ensuring a consistent approach and understanding of the cruise segment. 

Reporting and Business Intelligence 

• Establish periodic reports and business intelligence to track performance against objectives. 

• Utilize data-driven insights to inform decision-making and optimize sales strategies. 

Budget Management 

• Take responsibility for the budget allocated to sales department, ensuring effective allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals. 

Team Leadership 

• Lead and inspire the sales team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. 

• Provide direction, mentorship, and support to achieve individual and team targets. 

Qualifications

Educational Background: master’s degree in business, Marketing, Hospitality, or a related field.  

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in sales and marketing, with experience in a leadership and senior role. Proven track record of success in sales and marketing within the travel and tourism industry. Cruising industry is a plus.  

Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the travel agencies and tour operating world. Familiarity with luxury travel and cruise segments. Multi-segment and multi market experience essential – we are looking for someone that can guide and manage our future worldwide directors of sales and someone who has experience leading sales teams across multiple key around the world cities 

Leadership: An excellent relationship builder, confident in working with other teams and leaders; you’re passionate about what we can achieve together 

Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders. 

Analytical: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to use data-driven insights to inform decision-making. 

Sales Acumen: Proven ability to drive sales growth and meet revenue targets. 

Networking: Excellent networking and relationship-building skills within the leisure travel industry in the US, EMEA, APAC 

Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills, particularly in contract negotiations with travel agencies and tour operators.  

Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and implement effective strategies accordingly. 

Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with sales and CRM tools. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite 

Fluent in English and French