Ecruising has appointed Alastair Fernie as Executive General Manager, a newly created role that will see Fernie take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Australian business.

Previously General Manager of Harvey's Choice Holidays, Fernie launched Harvey's Choice Cruising before creating The Cruise Team wholesale business for the integrated JTG, then Helloworld retail group. He gained a broad level of experience and understanding of the cruise industry in the process.

Fernie is also well known in the airline industry. His extensive airline knowledge comes from having spent many years in senior positions with Qantas, Air New Zealand and British Airways.

Brett Dudley, Founder and Chairman of the Ecruising group of companies said: “Over the past 15 years, the cruise business in Australia has experienced rapid growth and Ecruising has been fortunate to enjoy the success during this time. We want to take the company to another level and with Alastair taking care of the day to day operations, I'll be focusing on a number of new opportunities both in Australia and internationally. With our 15th birthday approaching in January, we are poised to enter a new phase in our company's evolution and with Alastair's experience both in the airline and cruise industry, Ecruising will be well positioned to capitalise on the huge growth occurring in the Asia Pacific region.”

Fernie commented: “Ecruising revolutionised online cruise holidays in Australia and has a long history of experience and success in the industry. I am delighted to join Brett and the Ecruising team and to be part of their exciting future”.

Fernie takes up his new role on Monday 5 January 2015.