Guimaraes brings 28 years of travel industry sales and management experience, most recently with Silversea Cruises and previously with Carnival Cruise Line.
She will be responsible for developing and implementing sales and partnership strategies, and will oversee Crystal's North America sales team. Reporting to Carmen Roig, svp marketing and sales, Guimaraes will be based in Crystal’s new Miami branch office.
The appointment comes on the heels of Graves’ decision to retire at the end of this year, after a distinguished 43-year career in travel industry sales, including 25 years with Crystal.
Graves joined the line at its inception, and for the last decade has led Crystal’s domestic sales efforts. His last day will be Dec. 31. Before then, he'll 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,' Crystal president and ceo Edie Rodriguez said. '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.'
Guimaraes joined Silversea in 2010 as a regional sales director and was promoted to vp national account sales last year. Before, she had a dozen years with Carnival as business development director.
Guimaraes’ experience includes advancing strategic organization, growth of national accounts portfolios, cultivating key business partnerships, developing prosperous business strategies and leading sales efforts. She's known as a travel agent advocate, having started in travel sales as a front-line travel adviser and agency manager. She also worked in resort sales.
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