PPI Group lures cruise line veteran to broadcast role

Heywood previously held entertainment positions aboard Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line, including as the original producer for HAL's Dancing with the Stars at Sea. A native of Manchester, England, he worked in creative production and presenter positions for various national British television channels including 10 years for QVC, as well as ITV, Channel 4 and Challenge TV. Most recently, he held creative director positions at various media companies, including PPI Group.

'Anthony has already been a key addition to our team, working with us on numerous special projects,' said president and ceo Bill Panoff. 'It made perfect sense for us to bring him on board full time to drive the momentum that he’s already brought to the broadcast division.'

Heywood will lead a team of videographers and editors for productions that include in-cabin programming for numerous cruise line clients, destination videos and other tourism-related commercials. He will oversee all operational details including project development, creative direction, scriptwriting, pre-production planning, filming, directing and editing.

'I'm excited to be working with a great team that we have put together, which includes an experienced national TV show producer and documentarian as well as bright talent fresh out of film school,' Heywood said.