Jennifer Zammit named sr. director, Canada sales at Swan Hellenic, team grows

Swan Hellenic has strengthened its commercial leadership across the Americas with three senior appointments to accelerate growth through the travel trade – and it includes an investment in Canada.

As part of the cultural expedition cruise line’s international expansion, Jennifer Zammit has been named senior director of Canada sales, PAX has learned.

Zammit is a seasoned travel industry executive with extensive experience across the sector.

Throughout her career, she has built relationships across key travel networks and held commercial roles with organizations including the Armstrong Collective (Rocky Mountaineer), Huntington Travel Group, Globus family of brands, Bedsonline, and several others.

In her new role, Zammit will focus on strengthening Swan Hellenic’s presence in the Canadian market and developing strategic partnerships with the travel trade.

“This is an exciting opportunity to represent a truly distinctive brand that delivers extraordinary expedition experiences to some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations,” wrote Zammit on her LinkedIn page.

“I look forward to partnering with travel advisors and industry partners from coast to coast, helping grow awareness, create new opportunities, and inspire more Canadian travellers to discover the world through Swan Hellenic’s unique spirit of exploration.”

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. I’m excited for this new chapter and can’t wait to connect with you all again.”

Sales team grows in the Americas

At the same time, Swan Hellenic has appointed Gordon Dirker as senior vice president, Americas, and Jane Martin as sales director of national host accounts.

The move significantly expands Swan Hellenic’s commercial capability across North and South America, which the company, in a press release, called “a key growth region.”

Dirker returns to Swan Hellenic following his previous role as vice president sales, North America, during the brand’s relaunch in 2022.

He will report to chief commercial officer Mario Bounas and lead regional sales strategy, trade partnerships, and business development, the company said.

With more than 25 years of experience across the cruise and travel sector, Dirker has held senior leadership roles at Celestyal Cruises, Hurtigruten, TTC Group, Clipper Vacations, and, most recently, Cruise Norway - Worldwide Expeditions, where he served as Executive VP and GM.

He specializes in scaling sales organizations and strengthening trade distribution networks. His return comes as Swan Hellenic continues to expand its footprint in the Americas and deepen engagement with travel advisors and consortia partners.

“Swan Hellenic has a distinctive position in the expedition cruise sector, and I am excited to return at a time of strong growth potential across the Americas. I look forward to working closely with our trade partners to build on that momentum," said Dirker in a statement. 

His return is particularly valuable as he already possesses an in-depth knowledge of Swan Hellenic's product, brand values, and commercial philosophy, the company said. 

"His familiarity with the company's distinctive offering will allow him to make an immediate impact and further strengthen relationships with travel partners across the region," said Swan Hellenic.

Meanwhile, Jane Martin, as sales director, national host accounts, will be responsible for managing host agencies, consortia relationships, and national account development across the United States.

She brings experience from senior roles at Keytours Vacations, Norwegian Cruise Line, Apple Vacations, and Delta Air Lines.

Her appointment is intended to deepen Swan Hellenic’s engagement with large-scale host agency networks and strengthen distribution across the advisor community.

“We are sure the return of Gordon, who knows our product so well already, will be instrumental for us to regain in NAM the leading position we have in other markets. This is also supported by the great customer reviews, rewarding SH with the top positions in the luxury expedition segment,” said Mario Bounas, CCO of Swan Hellenic, in a statement.

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