Saga Travel Group trading director Iain Powell has the left the company to join Hurtigruten as its new vice president of sales and marketing UK & EMEA

Powell, who joined the over 50s specialist in January 2018 as head of trade sales and third party cruise, was appointed head of commercial partnerships and trade sales in 2021 before taking on the trading director role in 2022.

Prior to Saga, Powell spent nearly four years with Carnival UK working across the P&O Cruises and Cunard brands as air programme manager and business manager, national partnerships.

“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,” Powell said.

“I have been lucky enough to form strong relationships in the industry, and I feel very fortunate to now be joining a business with such awareness and recognition of the importance of their agent partners.”

He replaces outgoing vice president, sales and marketing for the UK and emerging markets Anthony Daniels who departed the line after nine years earlier this month.

The industry veteran, who joined the Norwegian coastal specialist in 2015, has been “central” in leading the line’s commercial teams across the UK and emerging markets.

“[Powell’s] wealth of experience and industry knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our influence in the UK market, which is key to Hurtigruten’s global strategy,” said Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten.

Moves comes after Hurtigruten brand refresh

He has since taken the decision to move on from the Norwegian cruise company and will be placed on garden leave until the 14 May, which will be his last day in the role.

Last year, Hurtigruten Group confirmed it would be splitting its expedition and coastal products, with Hurtigruten Expeditions becoming HX and Hurtigruten Norway reverting to just Hurtigruten.

The companies then unveiled the next phase of their new brand identities following the initial announcement of the company split in September.