HX Expanding Business Development, Marketing Teams in the Americas

HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is expanding its team in the Americas.

The company is announcing several new hires across business development, marketing and tour operations, with an overarching goal of strengthening its travel trade partnerships and advisor support. 

The move comes amid rapid growth in the Americas: Total U.S. booked revenue increased115 percent between 2022 and 2024.

“This expanded team brings the energy and expertise needed to strengthen our trade relationships and accelerate growth across the region,” says Steve Smotrys, managing director and senior vice president of commercial for the Americas.

Here are the brand’s new business development team members:

• Ana Duarte, Senior Business Development Manager, LATAM & Tour Operators
• John Milbrath, Business Development Manager, Northwest U.S.
• Linda Cavanah, Business Development Manager, Central U.S.
• Barrett Caldwell, Business Development Manager, Midwest & Mid-Atlantic U.S.
• Aidan Flood, Business Development Manager, Northeast U.S.

“Our business development managers play a pivotal role in delivering the support and partnership that travel advisors need to succeed,” adds Smotrys. “With this expanded team on the ground, we’re ensuring our trade partners have the tools they need to grow alongside us.”

HX is also growing its marketing team in the Americas:

• Destiny Weiss, Senior Marketing Manager, Americas
• Jenna Amaral, Senior Marketing Manager, Americas
• Cristina Macedo, B2B Trade Marketing Manager, Americas

“This is the most focused and deliberate marketing team we’ve ever had,” says Matt DeWitte, head of marketing for the Americas. “We’re building new capabilities in trade marketing and digital strategy—laying the foundation to better support our partners, grow brand visibility, and engage new audiences.”

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