AQSC, Victory expand sales/revenue management teams

New team members include Joe Jiffo as VP sales, AQSC; Garrett Ford as senior director of sales, Victory Cruise Lines; and Christian Laskaros as director of revenue & yield, AQSC and Victory. Kevin Smith, who previously served as director of national accounts, was promoted to senior director of sales, AQSC.

'Following the successful launch of our latest paddlewheeler, the American Countess, we are excited to continue the momentum with the growth of our sales and revenue management teams,' said Shawn Bierdz, president of AQSC and Victory. 'This particular group of executives boasts an impressive background, and we look forward to utilizing their expertise as we expand our offerings.'

 Joe Jiffo

Jiffo’s resume includes roles with Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises USA, Exclusive Group Travel, Ensemble Travel Group and, most recently, American Marketing Group – NEST, where he served as VP business development. As VP sales for AQSC, Jiffo will use his experience to build sales, strengthen customer relationships and drive revenue growth.

Garrett Ford

Ford becomes senior director of sales for Victory  after most recently serving as sales director for Visit Orlando, one of the largest destination marketing organizations in the US. Prior to Visit Orlando, he gained extensive sales experience while working for Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and other brands.

Kevin Smith

Smith, promoted to senior director of sales, joined AQSC in 2019 as a business development manager before being named director of national accounts in 2020. Previous sales roles were at AmaWaterways and Silversea Cruises.

Christian Laskaros

Relocating to South Florida, Laskaros becomes director of revenue & yield, AQSC and Victory, with a background in the hospitality business, most recently as director of revenue management with IHG at a flagship property in New York. He has experience from many boutique, luxury and lifestyle properties in Manhattan. Laskaros also holds a captain’s license.