Steve Odell takes early retirement as NCLH reorganises Asia Pacific regionSteve Odell takes early retirement as NCLH reorganises Asia Pacific region

Odell, who has been with NCLH for the past seven years, has had an impressive 35-year career in the industry.

To Sydney for Silversea

He was sales and marketing director for Royal Viking Line and Celebrity Cruises before moving from London to Sydney in 2003 as VP sales and marketing Asia Pacific for Silversea Cruises. 

In April 2008 he opened Silversea’s Asia Pacific headquarters to handle reservations, sales and marketing for the entire region.

He returned to London in July 2011 to become SVP sales and marketing for the UK, Europe and Asia Pacific and moved to Monaco to take up the role of president Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Plans to retire

Odell, 62, told Seatrade Cruise News he plans to retire and spend more time with his family in England.

‘We are grateful to Steve for his strategic vision and significant contributions to the company which have positioned us as leaders in the fast-growing Asia Pacific region,’ NCLH President and CEO Frank Del Rio said.

‘It has been an honour to lead the unmatched teams at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises during this exciting period of growth in the Asia Pacific region,’ Odell said.

‘I am proud of the significant achievements we have accomplished together and I am confident that this is the right team to lead the company into the future and continue delivering best-in-class experiences for our loyal guests and valued travel partners,’ he said.

Superb ambassador

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia MD Joel Katz said Odell has been a superb ambassador for the industry, including as the organisation's chairman from 2016-18.

‘It is hard to imagine the Australasian cruise sector without his generosity and stewardship, but we are delighted to learn of his well-deserved retirement,’ Katz said.

Major reshuffle

In other changes, Caroline Smith takes on the role of MD international for Regent, overseeing sales and marketing for APAC, EMEA, LATAM and Brazil.

Lisa Pile, VP sales Australasia for Regent, will have expanded responsibilities as VP sales and GM APAC, reporting to Smith.

Jason Worth, VP sales Australasia for Oceania Cruises, was promoted to VP sales and GM APAC, reporting to Oceania’s SVP Sales Nikki Upshaw.

Ben Angell, VP and MD APAC for Norwegian Cruise Line, will continue to represent the brand in the Asia Pacific region, reporting to Jason Krimmel, VP international sales and marketing.