Belmond has appointed Ashton Kelly as director of sales, UK and Ireland, overseeing the UK Global Sales team and driving sales strategy across all segments.
Kelly brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, spanning group, corporate and leisure sales. She joins following a decade at Rosewood London, where her roles have included senior sales manager and head of group and corporate sales. Her earlier career includes positions with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, GP Associates and Maybourne Hotel Group.
Kelly highlighted Belmond’s approach to slower, more meaningful travel as a key attraction to the role.
“After many years in hospitality, I’ve come to believe that the greatest luxury isn’t where we go, but how we experience the journey,” she said.
“Joining a brand that champions a slower, more meaningful pace of travel feels like a natural next step. At a time when so much of the world focuses on moving faster and seeing more, Belmond reminds us that the most memorable journeys are those that encourage us to slow down and connect more deeply with people and places.”
She also described a personal connection to Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, whose route takes in the Lake District, where she grew up.
“Seeing the landscapes that shaped my early years become part of a new chapter in luxury travel makes this journey a particularly personal one. I’m excited for the adventure ahead,” she added.
Her appointment follows Heléna Vella’s move to Belmond as client director for groups & events, UK and Ireland, reported by micebook in July.