Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

HX uplifts UK commercial team with three new hires

new-sales-appointments-at-HX.jpg
The three new appointments: (L-R) Hayley Van Der Steen, Sophie Nelson and Megan Lewis
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) appointed Hayley Van Der Steen and Sophie Nelson as trade partnership managers, alongside Megan Lewis as inside sales executive.

Nathaniel Sherborne, VP sales and marketing UK and Nordics, explained, ‘The expansion of our team is a pivotal moment for us at HX , marking a long-term investment in strengthening our partnerships with the travel trade. 

‘Our travel agent partners are an integral part of our business, and we are unwavering in our commitment to them. Whether that be through training, marketing assistance or in-depth product education, we will be supporting them with the tools they need to promote HX and expand their expedition cruise business.’ 

Sherborne described the three as ‘seasoned professionals with extensive experience at market-leading brands.’ 

Boosting agents’ expedition cruise business

With 20 years' experience in the travel and hospitality sector, including business development roles and first-hand experience onboard cruise ships as a senior officer leading sales and loyalty, Van Der Steen brings a wealth of knowledge, as well a strong network of trade contacts. 

Recently becoming part of the ITT board of directors, Nelson has experience in key business roles, driving revenue and managing relationships with major partners, including travel agents and tour operators across the UK and European markets. 

As trade partnership managers, Van Der Steen and Nelson will be managing everything associated with HX’s travel agency partners, from commercial and marketing, to system integration, product knowledge and training. Their focus will be on ensuring agents are equipped to increase their expedition cruise business with HX. 

Organising fam trips and incentives

The appointment of Lewis as inside sales executive brings additional sales support to trade partners, ensuring they receive the help they need. She will be facilitating front line incentives, as well as organising ship visits and familiarisation trips for agents. She joins HX with over six years' experience in the cruise industry, having worked across both the UK and EMEA markets in sales, marketing and business development.