Hurtigruten Asia Pacific has announced the return of Joel Victoria to the adventure travel company’s local workforce.
“Joel was a key player in our local business,” says Damian Perry – Managing Director Hurtigruten APAC. “He now re-enters the company in an even more pivotal role as we move towards phase two of our ambitious growth strategy.
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Victoria stood down from his prior role as Head of Marketing APAC 11 months ago during the pandemic to explore other interests and has returned as Hurtigruten strengthens its manpower down under.
“Joel will take the lead as Marketing Director for APAC,” Perry said. “This new broader leadership role will involve bringing in an expanded marketing team across the region and establishing the framework for our diverse, multifaceted Asia Pacific marketing strategies. He’ll also be heavily involved in our global brand and communications strategies, working with a global peer network of exceptional talent.”
“Hurtigruten has some amazing upcoming initiatives to become the best in the category and continue to take a leadership position in Sustainable Expedition cruising. I’m excited, and humbled, to be able to contribute to the evolution of a forward-looking brand with so much heritage,” said Victoria.
Victoria brings to Hurtigruten high-level strategic thinking, a hands-on approach to activations, ownership and creativity, as well as his natural ability to lead, unite and engage globally. Based in Melbourne, he will lead the local marketing and communications team, splitting his time between Oslo, London and across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
“We have a number of major initiatives underway,” remarked Perry.
“These are significant and fundamental projects that will drive Hurtigruten into the next decade. These projects can only be delivered by the best in class, and we count Joel in that group across our industry,” Perry said.
Last month Hurtigruten announced a number of key appointments as part of its latest recruitment drive, including Jerry Pilgrimhas as Regional Sales Manager, Queensland. With 25 years’ travel industry experience under his belt, he has a passion for providing travel experiences that deliver on their promises. He was recently accepted into the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society.
Based in Brisbane, Pilgrimhas will focus on building and supporting established relationships across this region. He will work alongside Sydney-based Andrew Eddy and will be joined by two new Regional Sales Manager positions based in Melbourne and New Zealand.
These two roles are phase one of Hurtigruten’s expansion, Perry added, bringing the team to seven APAC Regional Sales Managers focused on business partnerships.
Hurtigruten’s APAC Regional Sales Managers will be led by Victoria, who will work in unison with the new Marketing Director, Sales Director China, Managing Director and Inside Sales & Operations Manager to deliver innovative and outcome-focused sales solutions.