HURTIGRUTEN and HX have announced a new leadership structure in APAC (CW breaking news).
Damian Perry, who led the formerly combined company, will now guide a dedicated Hurtigruten Norway APAC team, mirroring the structure across the rest of the world.
Supporting Perry will be Marisa Jones, who will be promoted from Marketing Manager to Hurtigruten Head of Marketing.
The Norway-based cruise line will also recruit for a Head of Sales APAC position, which will take place over the next month.
Meanwhile, HX’s Australian leadership team will be guided by the United States-based Steve Smotrys, expanding from his current role overseeing the Americas market.
He will be aided in Australia by Director of Sales Amber Wilson, who like Perry, formerly served both brands.
The move will ensure the two cruise lines maintain a strong presence in Australia, and can progress further ambitions for their guests from the region.
It follows the recent announcement of an ownership change and Hurtigruten’s transition to full independence from HX in Jan (CW 29 Nov).
All leadership changes will take place from next year.
“By creating a dedicated HX team with strong B2B leadership, we are reinforcing our commitment to Australia,” HX Chief Commercial Officer Alex Delamere-White explained.
“This new structure ensures we have the resources and leadership needed to unlock the region’s potential [and] achieve long-term growth,” he said. MS
