HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) is launching 2024 with the announcement of four appointments in the Americas. The new hires come as part of HXs ongoing effort to expand its presence in this key growth market and forge stronger relationships with the travel trade, ensuring partner support during the next phase of the HX rebrand.
The news comes on the heels of the announcement that Alex Delamere-White will transition from the role of interim Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to that of permanent CCO.
Carla Brake, Senior Sales Director, assumes her role with a track record of driving revenue growth through strategic business planning and strong leadership. With previous roles as Senior Director of Business Development for the Globus family of brands and Avalon Waterways, as well as Vice President of Sales at Insight Vacations, Carla brings over two decades of industry experience.
Jennifer Kennedy, Business Development Manager, Southeast U.S., brings more than fifteen years of experience with her to HX. With previous roles including Strategic Account Manager at The Travel Corporation, District Sales Manager at Insight Vacations & Luxury Gold, and Regional Sales Manager at Contiki, Jennifer excels in developing and cultivating relationships with travel advisors in the southern United States.
jennifer.kennedy@hurtigruten.com
Kent Phillips, Business Development Manager, Western Canada, takes on this role with over seven years of experience as a Senior BDM at Exodus Adventure Travels, specializing in active adventure travel and polar expeditions. With an extensive network and trust within the industry, Kent is also a global adventurer with over two decades of experience and has traveled to over 65 countries.
Ian Kivell, Business Development Manager, Eastern Canada, brings a wealth of industry experience to HX. He previously served as a Travel Manager at Flight Centre and a Sales & Business Development Manager at Contiki Holidays. Based in Hamilton, he is also a Professor of Tourism at Mohawk College.
The additions to HXs Americas team bring decades of combined experience and a commitment to strengthening our partners’ sales. Sheralyn Berry, General Manager for HX in the Americas, said: "I am excited to announce the expansion of our team, a significant step in our commitment to building and nurturing long-lasting partnerships with the travel trade. Ian, Carla, Kent and Jennifer will play an integral role in equipping our valued agents and advisors with the support they need to thrive in the growing expedition cruise industry and promote HX.”
Glenn Eastwood (BDM, Northeast U.S.), Michael Weldon (Director, Sales & National Accounts), and Julia Swenda (Director of Host Accounts) remain integral members of HXs Americas team and are available to support advisors.
This announcement coincides with the next phase of Hurtigruten Expeditions' rebrand to HX and kicks off Wave season.
For more information about HX and its immersive expedition cruises, please visit HXexpeditions.com/en.
For agent bookings, please call +1 (866) 312-6791 or email usagencies@hurtigruten.com.
