Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has appointed Keith Spondike as its new Vice President of Marketing for the Americas, effective 6 August.

Based in the company's Fort Lauderdale office, Spondike will report to Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's President of the Americas. He will oversee day-to-day marketing activities, including the development, implementation and management of advertising, collateral, direct marketing and e-marketing programmes.

Bettridge said: "Keith's leadership style and success in leveraging marketing strategy to achieve optimal financial results stood out among a very distinguished group of candidates, and I'm pleased to welcome him to Silversea."

Prior to joining Silversea, Spondike was chief marketing officer for Avantair, a leading private air travel services company. His past experience also includes 18 years with General Motors, where he helped lead the rebirth of the Cadillac brand.

Spondike commented: "I'm excited about the opportunity to work for such a prestigious luxury travel company. I look forward to working with all departments in the organisation to develop innovative marketing strategies to increase awareness of the Silversea brand."

Spondike holds a master's degree in business administration from Wayne State University and a bachelor of science degree in finance from Oakland University.