Iain Powell transitions from Saga Travel Group to Hurtigruten, marking a significant career move.
- Powell joined Saga in 2018 and advanced to trading director before departing.
- He replaces Anthony Daniels, a long-standing figure at Hurtigruten, enhancing the UK and EMEA sales team.
- Powell’s previous experiences with Carnival UK add to his robust cruise industry portfolio.
- Hurtigruten’s CEO highlights the importance of Powell’s role amidst the company’s strategic branding efforts.
Iain Powell, previously the trading director at Saga Travel Group, has embarked on a new professional chapter by joining Hurtigruten as the vice president of sales and marketing for the UK and EMEA. This career move is marked by Powell’s substantial experience in the cruise industry, notably his tenure at Saga since January 2018, where he initially held the position of head of trade sales and third-party cruise. His progressive rise through the ranks culminated in his appointment as trading director in 2022.
Powell’s distinguished career in the industry includes a nearly four-year stint with Carnival UK. During his time there, he worked closely with the P&O Cruises and Cunard brands in various managerial roles, including air programme manager and business manager for national partnerships. Powell expressed his admiration for Hurtigruten, acknowledging, ‘Hurtigruten is a company I have long admired, so to have the opportunity to lead the UK & EMEA teams at such an exciting time is fantastic.’
He succeeds Anthony Daniels, who recently stepped down after nearly a decade of leadership in commercial teams across the UK and emerging markets for the Norwegian coastal specialist. Under Daniels’ leadership, the company saw extensive growth and market penetration, setting a solid foundation for Powell to build upon.
Hedda Felin, the CEO of Hurtigruten, underscored the strategic significance of Powell’s appointment by stating that his extensive experience and deep industry knowledge would be instrumental in fortifying Hurtigruten’s market influence, which remains a core focus of their global strategy.
Beyond individual career advancements, Hurtigruten itself is undergoing transformative changes. The company confirmed its decision to split its expedition and coastal products, with the creation of HX for its expedition services, while the coastal sector reverts to the original Hurtigruten designation. These adjustments are part of a broader initiative to redefine their brand identity, ensuring clarity and enhancing their market positioning.
Iain Powell’s expertise promises to be a pivotal asset in advancing Hurtigruten’s strategic goals within the UK and EMEA markets.
