Darren Dolan
Director Business Development
Naples
Summary
To attain a position in an organization where I can continue to demonstrate my passion for the travel industry, while highlighting my strengths in strategic thinking, relationship building, achieving goals, and my overall work ethic.
Business development professional with proven track record in driving growth and fostering strong client relationships. Known for strategic thinking, effective communication, and strong focus on team collaboration to achieve results. Skilled in market analysis, negotiation, and partnership development, with flexible approach to meet changing needs. Trusted for reliability and consistently delivering on objectives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Director of Business Development, Southern Florida
Viking
03.2011 - Current
- Joined Viking River Cruises upon the relocation of Seabourn Headquarters to Seattle. Responsible for the growth and management of 350 agency accounts in the South Florida Territory. Of these, 8 produce $1 million plus in revenue annually. Report directly to Vice President of Sales.
- Increased revenue among accounts by an average of 170% over a 4-year period
- Jumpstarted new agency accounts with boot camp training and marketing support
- Implemented marketing plans for top agency accounts involving online, print, radio and direct mail
- Planned strategic consumer events in conjunction with agency partners to increase bookings and strengthen Viking’s brand awareness
- Held regular webinars and in-office visits to promote knowledge of the Viking product and increase related sales skills
- Assisted with planning and execution of simultaneous river cruise ship inaugurals as well as launch of Viking’s first ocean ship
- Participated in Viking’s Ocean cruise exploratory committee to provide feedback on product, service standards and booking systems in an effort to help launch the Viking Ocean ship
- Negotiated, prepared, and signed contracts with clients.
- Mentored team members to develop their skills, leading to increased productivity and successful promotions within the company.
- Analyzed market trends and competitor data, informing strategic decision-making processes for business growth opportunities.
- Presented persuasive presentations at industry conferences showcasing company expertise, generating interest from potential new clients.
- Increased client base by developing and implementing effective business development strategies.
- Generated significant revenue growth with the implementation of innovative marketing campaigns.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with sales, marketing, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of business development initiatives.
- Enhanced company''s market presence through targeted networking events and relationship building.
- Communicated directly with customers and partners to build strong business networks and relationships.
- Established and maintained highly effective relationships with clients and industry partners to drive growth.
- Negotiated client contracts and agreements to cultivate profitable business transactions.
- Engaged in product training, demonstrations, consumer awareness, branding, and acquisition initiatives to raise awareness and revenues.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.
- Liaised with sales, marketing, and management teams to develop solutions and accomplish shared objectives.
Director/Manager of National & House Accounts
Seabourn Cruise Line
12.2007 - 03.2011
- Assumed management of National & Key accounts which represented $70M of company’s revenue during a period of extraordinary capacity growth of 213%. Negotiated and oversaw $2M worth of marketing budgets and achieved revenue goals while remaining within budget. Maintained partner relations through HQ visits, conference attendance as well as annual meetings. Promoted from Manager to Director in 2 years. Reported directly to Vice President of Sales.
- Increased exposure of company by expanding National Account base by 25%
- Grew overall National Account revenue by 35%
- Guided key accounts to increase year over year revenues, in some cases 80% - 120%
- Partnered with largest National Account to develop joint sales initiative resulting in $2M worth of revenue and 100% increase in sales year over year for that period
- Oversaw Canadian market accounts which grew 100% in revenue over a 3 year period
- Instrumental in ensuring 100% capacity goals were met as a member of Sales & Revenue Tactical Team
Sales Development, Account Executive
Seabourn Cruise Line
06.2006 - 11.2007
- Provided support and assistance to 3 Regional Sales Managers ensuring that they were kept up-to-date and well equipped with the sales materials needed. Attended and presented at meetings and functions either together with the RSM’s or in their absence. Handled event planning and management of Onboard Sales Program. Reported to both Manager and Director of Sales Development.
- Planned and executed annual top producer events budgeted at over $100K, as well as all National Account meetings and conferences
- Automated Onboard Sales program across the fleet, and did so at a third of the budget and within half the time period proposed for project
- Implemented training for Onboard Sales Program both shoreside and onboard
- Achieved increase of 30% in onboard reservations
Cruise Sales Specialist, Guest Services Coordinator
Seabourn Cruise Line
09.2004 - 05.2006
- Handled dual role managing special needs and requests of guests and travel agents while continuing to secure cruise bookings. Acted as liaison between National Accounts and ship staff in planning and executing onboard events, presentations and amenities.
- Selected as one of only eight CSS’s that remained in the Seabourn operation following separation of Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line
- Earned consistent high marks for quality of service
Cruise Sales Specialist
Seabourn Cruise Line/Cunard Line
11.2003 - 08.2004
- Handled incoming inquiry calls, provided information to potential guests on Seabourn’s ships and onboard experiences and secured cruise bookings.
- Achieved 99% pass mark on product knowledge training, represented both brands as a reservationist, including during the launch of the QM2.
- Received accolades from Travel Agents and direct guests alike, maintained the highest quality of service and booking levels.
Education
Associate Degree - Travel Tourism, Management
Miami Dade College
01-2003
Skills
- Client engagement
- Expertise in sales training
- Strategic account management
- Building industry connections
- Strategic partnership development
- Revenue enhancement strategies
- Sales training
- Industry relationship building
- Competitive intelligence
- Business development and planning
- Engaging sales presentations
- Strategic negotiation skills
- Training and mentoring
- Sales and marketing strategy
- Strategic marketing planning
- Territory management
Accomplishments
- Recipient of [Year] New Business Excellence Award for most new accounts.
- Produced [Number]% increase in YTD revenue on individual accounts.
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
Timeline
Director of Business Development, Southern Florida
Viking
03.2011 - Current
Director/Manager of National & House Accounts
Seabourn Cruise Line
12.2007 - 03.2011
Sales Development, Account Executive
Seabourn Cruise Line
06.2006 - 11.2007
Cruise Sales Specialist, Guest Services Coordinator
Seabourn Cruise Line
09.2004 - 05.2006
Cruise Sales Specialist
Seabourn Cruise Line/Cunard Line
11.2003 - 08.2004
Associate Degree - Travel Tourism, Management
Miami Dade College