Explora Journeys has expanded its management team with the appointment of Norbert Stiekema as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Vanessa Vollmann as Head of People. Both positions report directly to Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, and will be based at the company's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, said: “As we prepare for the maiden voyage of our first ship, EXPLORA I, in the second half of this year, and the subsequent launch of our six-ship fleet within five years, we are assembling the best team to ensure our brand reaches its full potential in the luxury cruise segment. Therefore, it is a great pleasure to have two professionals of Norbert and Vanessa’s caliber on board, with their extensive experience in the hospitality, travel, and luxury sectors.”
As Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Norbert Stiekema will oversee all aspects of the brand's business and support the launch of EXPLORA I. Stiekema brings extensive commercial experience with successful brands in the travel and hospitality sectors. Over the past 30 years, he has held various management positions in Europe and, most recently, in the Middle East, where he served as Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Cruise Saudi. Prior to that, he was Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Costa Cruises for eight years and, before that, held the position of Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Before that, he spent seven years in France working for The Walt Disney Company as Vice President of Sales and Distribution for EMEA, joining after more than thirteen years with KLM, the Dutch flag carrier.
Vanessa Vollmann, as Head of People, will be responsible for all Human Resources matters at the brand's headquarters in Geneva. She will also lead the management of employees on the ground in key markets. Throughout her career, she has held senior HR roles at several renowned luxury brands. Prior to joining Explora Journeys, she was International HR Manager at the prestigious watchmaker Roger Dubuis, part of the Richemont Group. Previously, she was HR Business Partner for Commercial Functions and Subsidiaries at TAG Heuer, and she also held various HR positions at Coty and Procter & Gamble.
EXPLORA I, the first ship in a planned fleet of six luxury cruise ships, is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyards in Monfalcone, Italy. Its maiden voyage will depart on July 17, 2023, from Southampton, UK.
