Steve Smotrys, formerly of Seabourn Cruises, has landed a position with expedition line HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions). He will serve as managing director and senior vice president of commercial operations in the Americas.
Steve Smotrys
The role is a new one for HX and will put Smotrys in charge of distinguishing the brand as HX aims to expand trade sales across the U.S. and Canada. He will oversee all aspects of commercial and sales offerings and relationships, lead the brand's business development managers and report directly to chief commercial officer Alex Delamere-White.
Smotrys has worked in the cruise industry for nearly 25 years, most recently serving as Seabourn's vice president of sales and trade relations before the brand combined the Seabourn and Holland America Line sales teams. He previously served as vice president of North America sales at Cunard and in revenue management at Princess Cruises.
Smotrys' move to HX comes after the line held its largest fam trip for travel advisors. The line has rebranded to HX from Hurtigruten Expeditions and is separate from the Hurtigruten brand, which sails Norwegian coastal cruises.
The line said the Smotrys hire underscores HX's commitment to growing its presence in North America. He begins in mid-October.