Norwegian Cruise Line has experienced rapid growth worldwide during the past few years, in particular in the UK market, which is now the company’s largest international market outside of the USA.
As a result of this success and taking the potential of the UK market into account, the cruise line has announced an organisational restructure in the EMEA region.
The EMEA region is being restructured into two markets: Continental Europe (CE) and Scandinavia; and UK, Ireland (UK&I) and Middle East and Africa (MEA).
These markets will be responsible for their own sales and marketing activities and each will report directly to Harry Sommer, executive vice president, international business development Norwegian Cruise Line.
Nick Wilkinson will become vice president and managing director UK&I and MEA heading up the key markets of the UK and Ireland as well as the growing and developing markets of Israel, South Africa and the Middle East.
Christian Boell will continue as vice president and managing director Europe including all markets within Continental Europe and Scandinavia.
Harry Sommer commented on the restructure: “With the introduction of the Jade as the 5th ship in Europe and the increased capacity with the Getaway in the Baltic, we have increased our opportunity to sell more cruises in Europe. Also Premium All Inclusive, which was launched earlier this year, has been particularly well received in the UK&I and we believe the opportunities here warrant a renewed emphasis and focus on the market. Nick Wilkinson has spearheaded the growth in the UK&I and his promotion to Vice President and Managing Director reflects the achievements he has made in this market.”
Nick Wilkinson added “It is an exciting time for Norwegian Cruise Line in the UK and Ireland – we have made great strides in growing our brand and customer base and can only see greater opportunities for us continuing working closely alongside our travel agency partners. The UK sales and marketing team and further involved departments are energised and excited about the restructure and looking forward to the future.”