Crystal Cruises has tapped Kim Guimaraes as its new VP of Sales & Strategic Partnerships in North America. The appointment comes on the heels of Eric Graves’ decision to retire at the end of this year, after a 43-year career in travel industry sales, including 25 years with Crystal.

Guimaraes will be responsible for the development and implementation of the line’s sales and partnership strategies, along with the oversight of the North America sales team. She will report to Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales, and will be based in Crystal’s new Miami branch office.

Graves has been with Crystal since the company’s inception 25 years ago, and for the last decade has led Crystal’s domestic sales efforts.

With a career that spans 28 years in travel industry sales and management comprising cruise and resort sales, Guimaraes’ experience includes advancing strategic organization, growth of national accounts portfolios, cultivating key business partnerships, developing prosperous business strategies and leading sales efforts.

An advocate for the travel agent community, Guimaraes entered the field of travel sales as a front line travel advisor and agency manager.