Atlas strengthens “trade-first strategy” with leadership appointments

Atlas Ocean Voyages has made strategic new appointments to its sales and guest services team, advancing its “trade-first sales strategy” and growth in the luxury expedition market.

Kristian C. Anderson, executive vice president of global sales, is welcoming Kelly Popovski, Richard Whitaker, Logan Steele, Juan Lopez, and Pedro Jaimot to the Atlas team.

The appointments, which bring a wealth of industry experience, are meant to deepen the cruise line's support for travel advisors.

The new sales team “enhances our resources and strengthens our valued partnerships with the travel advisor community, which remains an essential partner in our ongoing success as we continue to grow as a company,” Anderson said in a press release.

New appointments

Kelly Popovski – senior director, field sales

Popovski will lead Atlas’s team of field sales for North America. She began her career with Norwegian Cruise Line, where she held progressive roles within the sales organization, forging strong relationships with the travel advisor community. As a founding team member at Virgin Voyages, she was instrumental in developing the sales organization and leading Charters and Incentives.

Richard Whitaker – director, national accounts

Whitaker brings nearly a decade of cruise sales experience, including roles with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection and Azamara Cruises.

In his new role, he will be responsible for increasing Atlas’s presence with consortia partners and national accounts by developing customized marketing and sales strategies to support mutual growth.

Logan Steele – regional sales director, southeast USA

Steele will support travel partners across the Southeast U.S. With a cruise industry background in sales and sales support, Logan brings a fresh and innovative perspective to his new role.

Juan Lopez – director, guest services

Lopez leads Atlas’s global reservation team of Voyage Specialists, bringing experience in guest reservations and operations from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Pedro Jaimot – director, charter & MICE operations

Reporting to Robert Cao, VP of charter & MICE, Jaimot brings over 15 years of experience in cruise sales, marketing, and operations. His background includes key roles at Star Clippers, Landry & Kling, Cruise Planners, and Ponant. At Atlas, he will focus on expanding and refining charter and MICE offerings.

In addition, Isabel Galvan has been appointed VP, commercial operations and systems development as Atlas establishes a new Department of Operations and Systems Development to oversee day-to-day operations.  

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.