NEW YORK — Virtuoso has promoted two longstanding executives to key leadership positions: Karyn McCarthy and Misty Belles.
McCarthy, now vice president, Member and Partner Development, will oversee the group’s efforts in establishing strategic partnerships, fostering targeted network growth and increasing preferred partner and agency/advisor engagement with network products and programs. She first joined Virtuoso in 2015 as Director, Product Development where she managed the qualification and vetting process for travel suppliers joining the network’s Preferred Partner programs. Since then, her role has evolved within the Global Partnerships team.
McCarthy boasts more than 30 years in the travel industry, including positions with American Express managing corporate travel accounts as well as The Leading Hotels of the World where she served as senior director Corporate Sales.
“Karyn has been instrumental in creating and evolving Virtuoso’s strategic goals for growth that bring continued value to the network,” says Virtuoso Chief Operations Officer Brad Bourland. “As we move through the various stages of travel’s recovery, her focus on increasing partner, travel agency, and advisor engagement that delivers a win-win-win will not only secure success for each of these constituents, but will provide an even stronger competitive edge that attracts top companies to Virtuoso in the first place. I couldn’t be more pleased to have Karyn leading the effort in driving deeper commitment from our members, higher sales for our partners, and ultimately higher satisfaction for the traveller.”
Meanwhile, Belles has assumed the title of vice president, Global Public Relations and will continue to drive Virtuoso’s public relations strategy. Part of the Virtuoso team since 1999, Belles has held various roles that included cruise and tour direct marketing as well a director of the Hotels & Resorts program before taking the lead on public relations in 2005.
“Over the past year, Misty has helped create and implement new initiatives that keep our members, advisors, and travelers informed in unique and exclusive ways, while also elevating the brand positioning of Virtuoso for the benefit of the entire network,” stated Senior Vice President, Marketing Helen McCabe-Young. “She has stepped forward as a consistent voice and advocate for Virtuoso and the overall travel industry. As we ramp up our global PR strategy, Misty will be working with our regional teams to ensure our message and voice are adaptive and on point for each market, while leveraging her vast experience and deep knowledge of the Virtuoso brand and company core beliefs.”
McCarthy will continue to work from Virtuoso’s New York City office and report to Bourland. Belles offices from her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland and will continue to report to McCabe-Young.
