Karen Kuttner-Dimitry as Vice President, Affinity Sales, North America, Aurora Expeditions. (Photo Credit: Aurora Expeditions)
WHY IT RATES: The sales veteran brings a unique blend of experience, leadership and expertise to her new role at a pivotal time for the growing business.—Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
Aurora Expeditions has announced the appointment of Karen Kuttner-Dimitry as Vice President, Affinity Sales, North America, strengthening the company’s sales leadership as it continues to expand its presence across the region.
Based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Karen brings extensive experience across expedition travel, affinity sales, charter development, and small-ship operations. She joins Aurora Expeditions’ North America Sales team, reporting to David Tanguay, Head of Global Sales.
Karen began her career in the travel industry at sea, spending five years as a Social Director and Shore Excursion Manager. This operational experience helped shape her deep understanding of the guest experience and her long-standing passion for expedition and small-ship travel.
She later transitioned into sales with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, initially leading the Mid-Atlantic region before going on to build and scale the company’s affinity business nationally. Since 2004, she has served as Vice President of Affinity and Charter Sales, where she developed the affinity and non-traditional markets, launched the charter department, and helped establish both as highly successful revenue channels.
Prior to Lindblad, Karen held leadership roles with Natural Habitat Adventures and Grand Expeditions, with responsibility across sales, marketing, and operations in the affinity market.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karen to Aurora Expeditions at such an exciting stage of growth for our North American business,” said David Tanguay, Head of Global Sales at Aurora Expeditions.
“Karen brings an exceptional combination of expedition experience, commercial leadership and deep affinity market expertise. Her understanding of purpose-led travel, special-interest groups and partner-led growth will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen Aurora’s position in North America.”
In her new role, Kuttner-Dimitry will lead Aurora Expeditions’ affinity sales strategy across North America, working closely with partners, organizations and special-interest groups to develop meaningful expedition travel opportunities.
SOURCE: Aurora Expeditions press release.
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