Back to News Menu          Cruise News for the Corporate Travel Professional                 May 2015

In a move that powerfully demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the Port Revenue Division of its operation, Fort Lauderdale-based marketing, promotions, and custom publishing company PPI Group has announced appointments to three key executive positions.

Shelby Hastings­‐Rojas, a cruise industry veteran with nearly 15 years' experience, has been named Vice President of Port Revenue. Hastings‐Rojas has served as Port Shopping Guide among the ships of Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean International and later held management positions with KABANA and Diamonds International. In her new capacity, Hastings‐Rojas brings an exciting new vision to all PPI Group’s shopping programs through innovative sales strategies and business development initiatives. Designed to entice today's cruise ship guest while achieving goals established by the company's cruise industry partners, this revitalized operation is expected to significantly strengthen PPI Group's influence within the port shopping field.

Yvette Sechrist McGlasson joins PPI Group as Director, Port Revenue Development and comes with experience from Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises. She has held a variety of shipboard positions during her 15 years at sea, including shore excursion manager, cruise director, and destination lecturer in addition to serving as a port shopping guide. As Director of Port Revenue Development, McGlasson shares her knowledge and passion for sales with members of PPI Group’s current team of port shopping experts and provides training to those entering the field.

Nicola Walsh, PPI Group’s newly announced Director of Cruise Line Integration, is tasked with the development of port shopping relationships with members of cruise line management teams. Walsh directed accounts for six cruise lines as Vice President/Fleet Operations for International Art Galleries, and held various shipboard and shoreside positions with Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. Most recently, Walsh oversaw the account management of onboard operating participants for Disney Cruise Line.

PPI Group President and CEO Bill Panoff is delighted with today’s announcement. “We are committed to providing an exceptional experience for the guests of our partner cruise lines and offering strong value for our brand and retail partners," he says. "Shelby, Yvette, and Nicola bring PPI Group an exciting industry advantage thanks to their experience and their results‐oriented commitment to our retail and cruise industry partners.”

About PPI Group

Fort Lauderdale-­based PPI Group specializes in custom publishing, video production, and onboard and shoreside programs for the cruise and travel industries.

The company’s flagship publication, Porthole Cruise Magazine, now in its 19th year, is published bi-­monthly and available worldwide via newsstands and subscriptions; Porthole offers cruise-­ and travel-related features about ships and destinations.

PPI Group’s publishing division also creates a wide range of in-­room custom books and magazines for cruise lines and hotel brands. PPI Group’s award-­winning video programming showcases onboard revenue centers, port shopping opportunities, and destination highlights via in‐cabin video channels.

The company’s revenue programs include customized promotions and highly trained port and shopping presenters who provide cruise guests with port information, shopping recommendations, and shore excursion opportunities.

Worldwide Travel & Cruise Assoc., Inc.

150 S. University Dr.  Ste E, Plantation, FL 33324 - USA

Tel: +1 954 452 8800  Fax: +1 954 252 3945

EMail: sales@cruiseco.com

Designed & Published by: Worldwide Media.