New key positions at Hurtigruten in sales, marketing, PR and customer service in Asia Pacific

The Hurtigruten Group has expanded its presence in the Asia Pacific region with new key hires in sales, marketing, PR and customer service.

The expanded team will be able to meet the growing demand for the company’s two brands, Hurtigruten and HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), said Damian Perry, Managing Director, Asia Pacific.

“As we continue to grow our business, we want to ensure we can best support our industry partners, agents and consumers across Hurtigruten’s Original Coastal Express and Premium Signature Voyages, as well as HX expedition cruises,” he said.

“In addition, bringing our PR and communications activities in-house will help strengthen relationships with the travel and news media in the region.”

Kirsty Fruin (lead image) joins the APAC sales team as Regional Sales Manager (QLD, WA, SA) based in Brisbane after emigrating from Scotland to enjoy the warm weather and Australian lifestyle. Kirsty has amassed a wealth of knowledge in cruising and travel from her previous roles including in the UK with Fred Olsen Travel.

Experienced PR Christina Koullas joins Hurtigruten Group in Melbourne in the new role of PR & Communications Manager – APAC. Her 20+ years of travel PR experience includes working with Spirit of Tasmania, DMC in Europe and running her own PR agency where she advised Hurtigruten. She says the company’s constant innovation and focus on responsible travel attracted her to the role.

PR Specialist Christina Koullas joins Hurtigruten Group’s Melbourne office.

The Melbourne Customer Service Centre is expanding with Briohny Black and Laura Lund joining as CSC Consultants to manage agent and consumer enquiries. Lund has worked in retail management, accounting and customer resolution for over a decade. Black, meanwhile, has 18 years of travel experience, working at APT and Captain’s Choice, specialising in travel sales and consulting.

Two more exciting new additions to our Melbourne HQ are Jemma Gormack, who brings her adventurous spirit from New Zealand to the team, and Emily Coltman from the UK. They will leverage their strong digital and marketing backgrounds across a range of industries into their new Marketing Executive roles.