Silversea's Stefan Kredel joins IAATO executive committeeSilversea's Stefan Kredel joins IAATO executive committee

Kredel, who's been part of the IAATO community since 1998, is currently senior director of expedition product and itinerary development at Silversea. He first joined the polar community as a lecturer on geology and palaeontology aboard expedition ships in 1998. Since 2006 Kredel has led expeditions in Antarctica and around the world.

He was voted into the executive committee at this week's IAATO annual meeting in Hamburg.

'Stefan’s breadth and depth of experience in polar matters will be a true asset to the association,' IAATO Executive Committee Chair Tudor Morgan said.

Steve Wellmeier steps down

Stepping down from the executive committee after two years is Steve Wellmeier, director of special projects at Poseidon Expeditions.

Besides Morgan and Kredel, the executive committee consists of Diana Galimberti, Sibrand Hassing, Brandon Harvey and John McKeon. The committee's composition is intended to reflect IAATO members' geographical distribution and operational activities.

Addressing growth-related challenges

'I’m delighted to be able to support the objectives of IAATO from within the executive committee, in particular the challenges created by industry growth to continue our record of safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica,' Kredel said.

At IAATO’s annual meeting, members discuss safety, environmental protection and self-management. Decision-making is supported by recommendations developed by 11 dedicated committees and nine working groups throughout the year. The meeting concludes with a vote on new policies based on best practices.