Crystal Cruises announced today the selection of Kim Guimaraes as the line’s new vice president of sales and strategic partnerships in North America. The appointment comes on the heels of Eric Graves’ decision to retire at the end of this year, after a 43-year career in travel industry sales, including 25 years with Crystal.
Guimaraes will be responsible for the development and implementation of the line’s sales and partnership strategies, along with the oversight of the North America sales team. Guimaraes will report to Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales, and will be based in Crystal’s new Miami branch office, effective Dec. 7.
Graves has been with Crystal since the company’s inception 25 years ago, and for the last decade has led Crystal’s domestic sales efforts. His last day with Crystal will be Dec. 31, and prior to that time, he will assist Guimaraes in transitioning to her new role.
“As a loyal, valued member of the Crystal family, Eric has contributed enormously to Crystal’s sales growth, and we wish him and his family the very best in retirement.” said Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Crystal Cruises. “While we are sad to see Eric go, we are thrilled to have Kim join the Crystal team, and are confident that her diverse sales experience will be instrumental in leading our global sales efforts during a time of rapid growth for our luxury brand.”
With a career that spans 28 years in travel industry sales and management comprising cruise and resort sales, Guimaraes’ experience includes advancing strategic organization, growth of national accounts portfolios, cultivating key business partnerships, developing prosperous business strategies and leading sales efforts. An advocate for the travel agent community, Guimaraes entered the field of travel sales as a front line travel advisor and agency manager. During her spare time, she supports various animal welfare initiatives with American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the World Wildlife Fund near her home in Fort Lauderdale.
