Scenic Group has appointed Ana Sofia Ayala as managing director, Asia Pacific, as it prepares to expand its Asian river and yacht cruise offering.
Based in Sydney, she will take up the role on 18 January 2027, overseeing the region’s commercial performance and travel partner relationships.
Related: Scenic at 40: More ships, bigger Asian footprint: Travel Weekly Asia
Ayala brings experience in distribution, booking technology and cruise sales. She joins after seven years as chief revenue and marketing officer at Voyages Tourism Australia, having previously served as Royal Caribbean’s global director of eCommerce.
“With new ships and destinations on the way, this is a pivotal moment for Scenic in Asia Pacific,” Ayala said, adding that she would work with travel partners to grow the Scenic and Emerald Cruises businesses across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Scenic has also promoted Angus Crichton to global head of product. Now based in Zug, Switzerland, the company veteran will lead product teams worldwide after more than 26 years in sales, marketing and product roles.
His remit includes bringing product development closer to the commercial teams selling the group’s journeys – a connection he said would give travel partners “compelling experiences to sell”.