Three Bermudians have been added to the Bermuda Tourism Authority sales and marketing team in New York City.

Lindsay Butterfield is the new executive assistant/office manager in New York, replacing a Bermudian team member who moved to the Bermuda office to fill a vacancy.

Shanaye Smith has taken over as frontline ambassador in New York, replacing a Bermudian team member who was promoted.

Ciara Eve was hired as marketing production manager in New York, replacing a non-Bermudian team member who moved on.

The hiring of the three Bermudians comes less than a month after the loss of several Bermudian-held jobs within the quango.

While the authority came under fire for the decision, the BTA said the jobs were lost owing to a restructuring that would result in a net increase of jobs without higher costs.

Ms Butterfield has 11 years of hospitality and customer service experience, of which six of those years are within a managerial capacity.

She holds a bachelor of commerce degree from Ryerson University and has previously managed the Fairmont Gold Lounge at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.

A BTA spokesman said: “Her seasoned business mindset and knowledge, combined with her self-confidence and passion for tourism, drives guest satisfaction, which will be relevant in her new position.”

Ms Butterfield herself said: “I am honoured to be a part of such a forward thinking group of individuals.

“Great things are happening at the BTA and I am delighted to join the team.”

Shanaye Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising, public relations and media from Middlesex University and a master’s degree in marketing communications from University of Westminster in London.

A BTA spokesman said she will be responsible for providing “warm and engaging service” to promote the Bermuda brand through positive customer service interaction and social media.

Ms Smith said: “I look forward to representing the Bermuda brand from New York, doing my part to help shine a light on our amazing country in an effort to showcase it to the world.”

Ciara Eve comes to the BTA from an exciting opportunity with the America’s Cup.

She was branding co-ordinator for the America’s Cup in Bermuda and now will be marketing production manager for the BTA.

Ms Eve holds a bachelor’s degree in design for visual communication from University Centre Croydon in England.

She said: “I am grateful to be able to assist my country as an employee of the BTA.

“I am proof positive that through hard work, support and shared belief, the sky is the limit.”

Ms Eve begins with the BTA next month. Meantime, Ms Smith and Ms Butterfield have already begun in their new roles.

Kevin Dallas, BTA chief executive, said: “All of us at the BTA are committed to creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for Bermudians in a resurgent tourism industry.

“As we continue that mission we are delighted to be able to provide the opportunity for these three talented young Bermudians to gain valuable international experience that will grow their skills and further their careers.

“They went through a thorough and competitive recruitment process and we are so proud to have them on our performance-driven team.”