HX is reinforcing its UK commercial team with three strategic appointments. This move aims to bolster agent partnerships.
The addition of experienced professionals marks a commitment to enhance collaboration and market presence.
Strategic Appointments to Fortify Partnerships
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has strategically enhanced its UK commercial team with the addition of three seasoned professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Hayley Van Der Steen and Sophie Nelson have assumed roles as trade partnership managers, while Megan Lewis joins as an inside sales executive. This significant step marks the company’s commitment to strengthening relationships with their trade partners. Van Der Steen offers over 20 years of expertise in the travel sector, providing a robust foundation for the company’s commercial and marketing endeavors alongside system integration, product knowledge, and training. Nelson, formerly associated with Avis Budget Group International, will also play a crucial role in fortifying alliances with travel agency partners.
A Focus on Collaborative Growth
Megan Lewis, who has a rich background with six years of experience in the cruise industry, will be instrumental in managing ship visits and organising familiarisation trips, among other responsibilities. Her role will be pivotal in fostering deeper connections with travel partners, ensuring a mutually beneficial growth phase. This collaborative approach underscores HX’s strategic vision for expanding its market presence.
Leadership’s Perspective
Nathaniel Sherborne, HX’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the UK & Nordics, commented on the expansion initiative as a pivotal moment for HX. “Our travel agent partners are an integral part of our business, and we are unwavering in our commitment to them,” he stated. This move is viewed as a long-term investment in strengthening these crucial partnerships. Sherborne emphasised that HX is dedicated to providing training, marketing support, and in-depth product education to empower their partners with the necessary tools to promote and expand HX’s expedition cruise business.
Rebranding and Future Directions
HX, formerly recognised as Hurtigruten Expeditions, is undergoing a notable rebranding phase, set to adopt its new brand and logo across all platforms, from brochures to websites and social channels. Over the next 18 months, the fleet will undergo livery repainting to align with the new brand identity. This rebranding effort signifies HX’s proactive approach in adapting to market needs and enhancing brand visibility.
Expanding Market Influence
The expansion of HX’s UK commercial team is not merely a personnel enhancement but a strategic endeavour to fortify market presence. By incorporating individuals with extensive experience in leading market brands, HX aims to build a robust support system for its trade partners. Van Der Steen, Nelson, and Lewis’s appointments are pivotal to advancing this mission, focusing on elevating HX’s influence in the expedition cruise sector.
Tools and Support for Trade Partners
HX is committed to equipping its trade partners with comprehensive training, marketing assistance, and detailed product education. This initiative is designed to empower partners, enabling them to effectively market HX’s offerings and drive business growth. With this robust support structure, the company aims to ensure successful collaboration and mutual success in the competitive cruise market.
A Long-term Vision
These strategic appointments align with HX’s vision for sustained growth and partnership excellence. By prioritising the development of its commercial team, HX demonstrates its long-term commitment to enhancing partner relationships and market expansion.
HX’s strategic appointments signal a new era of strengthened partnerships and market expansion. With experienced leaders like Van Der Steen, Nelson, and Lewis, the company is poised to bolster its influence in the expedition cruise sector. This initiative is a testament to HX’s dedication to long-term growth and partnership success.
