Sarson has been with the river cruise and escorted tour specialist for nine years. Prior to the appointment, he was head of product for cruise and long haul, a position he started in November 2023.
The new role will see Sarson join the executive team and report to COO Robin Shaw.
His remit will expand to cover all product categories including Europe, supported by Joanne Lynn, who remains head of product, Europe.
Ambitious plans
Riviera Travel CEO Phil Hullah said, ‘Product is already a crucial part of our business but as we move into the next stage of our development, our ability to innovate, develop and deliver the right products at pace will be vital in underpinning our ambitious plans. Therefore, the time is right for a specific product role, with Will firmly at the helm.’
He said that ‘Will knows our business and our customers inside out, has deep experience in driving innovation and has also led our long-haul product category, as well as more recently picking up responsibility for river cruise and ocean...’
Preparing to welcome new ships
Sarson commented, ‘Curating the perfect holidays for our customers has always been at the heart of Riviera and I am thrilled to be taking the lead on that as we enter a very exciting period.
‘I’ve been with the business for close to a decade and in that time have overseen many new innovations such as our solo traveller programme, Walk & Discover active holidays and more recently our Signature escorted touring range.
‘I am looking forward to working alongside our passionate team of product experts as we prepare to welcome new ships to our fleet and further enhance our range of touring holidays.’
New ships Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose will launch in spring 2025.
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