Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has taken a significant step in strengthening its ties with the global travel advisory community by launching its inaugural Global AKTG Advisory Board. The new board brings together top agency leaders from across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, the U.K., Europe, and APAC – designed to bolster strategic growth and foster deeper collaboration across AKTG’s luxury portfolio, including both Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal.
At the helm is Marett Taylor, moving from her former role as Chief Sales Officer into her new position as Chairman, Global AKTG Advisory Board & Trade Relations. She will also join the board of A&K Philanthropy, with a special focus on women’s enterprise, education, and conservation – areas that align closely with the values of the travel advisor community. Taylor will maintain a visible presence at key industry events, continuing to cultivate relationships that drive innovation and growth.
Strategic Advisory Board and Leadership Evolution
The advisory board will convene multiple times annually with AKTG’s leadership to inform product development, respond to evolving market trends, and refine trade strategy. Reporting to CEO Cristina Levis, Taylor is expected to draw on her sales expertise to ensure advisor perspectives shape global strategy.
Supporting her leadership, Shawn Johnson and Matias Lira will lead trade sales execution for AKTG’s flagship brands. Johnson heads North America strategy for Abercrombie & Kent, while Lira oversees Crystal across the Americas, UK, EMEA and manages both brands in the LATAM region. They report to Chief Growth Officer Daniel Krupp, who now has expanded oversight of global sales strategy. This leadership realignment strikes a balance between consistency and fresh vision rooted in trusted industry relationships.
The advisory board includes respected trade professionals such as Damian McCabe, Karen Magee, Edwina Lonsdale, Anthony Goldman, and others across key source markets. Their insights will be instrumental in refining AKTG’s offerings to align with advisor needs and client expectations.
New Tools and Growth Momentum Across the Portfolio
Aligned with the board launch, AKTG is unveiling an enhanced digital Trade Portal that equips advisors with actionable tools – high-resolution imagery, product specs, automated bookings, presentation materials, training modules, and real-time communication with sales leadership. This upgraded platform will empower advisors with speed and credibility when crafting client journeys.
The governance and tech enhancements come alongside an accelerating pace of expansion. Crystal is relaunching with two ships now active and financing two more due by 2028. Meanwhile, Abercrombie & Kent continues to innovate with new small-group journeys, culinary series, private jet offerings, and expanded A&K Sanctuary properties – such as Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, Pure Amazon riverboat in Peru, and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana.
