Hurtigruten's Harber is appointed president for the AmericasHurtigruten's Harber is appointed president for the Americas

He will relocate from Hong Kong to Hurtigruten's Seattle office and be responsible for commercial growth strategy in collaboration with the company’s senior leadership team.

Harber succeeds Gordon Dirker, who opened Hurtigruten’s Americas headquarters in Seattle and laid the groundwork to further expand the brand.

'We are strongly committed to offering the Americas the world’s safest, greenest and most adventurous expedition voyages. I am confident William Harber is the right person to establish our premium offering as a first choice of adventure travel for the modern American explorer,' Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said.

Harber is charged with driving sales and profitability across the US, Canada, Central and South America markets. He'll work with key travel agents and open new channels for growth, ensure effective brand positioning and leading the marketing and communication strategies.

'I’m honored Hurtigruten has tapped me for this position and trust the many experiences I’ve gained in Asia and in my career in the cruise industry will serve me well in the role,' Harber said.

As Hurtigruten's president for China and Asia-Pacific since 2016, Harber set up the company's regional headquarters and GSA network, and struck a strategic partnership with Fliggy, Alibaba’s travel brand. Earlier he was SVP and managing director - Asia for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and VP market development for Carnival Asia. This followed his role as VP corporate marketing at Carnival Corp. in Miami, working with the company's 10 brands. He had joined Carnival in 2004 as a member of the shared services team.

Harber's successor in Asia-Pacific will be named after a brief transition period.