Steve Odell, SVP and managing director Asia Pacific, has expanded his role to include China operations along with the greater Asia Pacific region. Alex (Yucheng) Xiang has been promoted to managing director of the China operations, reporting to Odell.
David Herrera, previously president of China operations and based in Shanghai, will relocate back to Miami as SVP strategy and corporate development. He'll report to Frank Del Rio, president and CEO.
Herrera established the company's Shanghai and Beijing offices in 2015 and has worked closely with travel partners and government officials there. Under his leadership Norwegian Cruise Line successfully launched Norwegian Joy in 2017.
With this dedicated ship, Herrera and his team achieved the fastest growth of any market for NCLH in 2017. Norwegian Joy will sail its first full year in China in 2018, essentially doubling the company’s capacity in the region.
'In his expansive new role, David will preside over our global corporate initiatives from our headquarters in Miami,' Del Rio said. 'Since our announcement to enter the Chinese cruise market, David has led our local efforts and has positioned us for continued growth. We are thrilled with what he and the team have achieved in China and look forward to further success in this market.'
With Xiang's promotion to managing director, he'll serve as the first senior officer in the region. Xiang has been with the China team since its start. As VP sales he's played a critical role in the region’s success to date. Xiang's promotion is effective Feb. 2, when he will assume leadership of the Shanghai and Beijing teams.
Prior to joining NCLH, Xiang held a number of senior executive roles in sales, marketing and business development, including deputy general manager, sales & marketing in China for Royal Caribbean Cruise Service (China) Co. Ltd.
'We are thrilled to have someone of Alex’s caliber to lead our operations in China,' said Harry Sommer, EVP international business development for NCLH. 'I have worked closely with Alex since he joined the team, and he has been an integral part of every success we have achieved. I have full confidence that Alex will continue the great work David started in the region and continue to lead our China team from one success to the next.'
Odell's expanded role involves overseeing the greater Asia Pacific region, including China. He joined the company in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of its Asia Pacific headquarters in Sydney. Odell has 30 years of cruise industry experience, 17 of those in Asia.
In his expanded role, he is responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth for NCLH in the fast growing Asia Pacific market. He is currently chairman of CLIA Australasia and a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association. Odell will continue to report to Sommer.
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