HX Expeditions has grown its Americas sales and marketing teams with eight new hires and promotions, a move that follows its separation from Hurtigruten and an investment in ship upgrades by the expedition line's new owners.
The new hires will focus on business growth in the U.S. and Latin America.
HX says the Americas is one of its fastest-growing markets, with U.S. booked revenue increasing 115% between 2022 and 2024.
"This expanded team brings the energy and expertise needed to strengthen our trade relationships and accelerate growth across the region," said Steve Smotrys, managing director and senior vice president for commercial in the Americas.
A consortium of investors acquired HX in February, and promptly spent 140 million euros on upgrades to two ships: the Spitsbergen and Fram.
The following are HX's new appointments:
• Ana Duarte, senior business development manager, Latin America and tour operators. Duarte brings more than 20 years of experience in the cruise industry, including supporting new market entry and international marketing strategy at Princess Cruises.
• John Milbrath, business development manager, Northwest U.S. Most recently at Seabourn, Milbrath has also worked in shore operations and at AAA Washington.
• Linda Cavanah, business development manager, Central U.S. Cavanah has been with HX since 2023, when she joined as a senior product manager for expedition product and planning. She was previously director of land operations at UnCruise Adventures and held shipboard roles at Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line.
• Barrett Caldwell, business development manager, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Caldwell has a background in luxury travel sales in safaris and major sporting events.
• Aidan Flood, business development manager, Northeast U.S. Flood previously worked in account management in multiple industries.
• Destiny Weiss, senior marketing manager, Americas. Weiss brings more than eight years of performing marketing experience.
• Jenna Amaral, senior marketing manager, Americas. Amaral has led brand strategy for Hilton and Hornblower Group. She will focus on search engine marketing, paid social and video marketing.
• Cristina Macedo, B2B trade marketing manager, Americas. Macedo has worked in brand management and business-to-business sales enablement, and at HX will focus on content development, performance analysis and brand consistency.