Quark Expeditions announces key leadership appointments

Quark Expeditions has announced two senior appointments as it strengthens its operations and product development teams.

Jake Morrison has been named Senior Director, Expedition Operations, while Sarah Friedlander joins the company as Senior Product Manager.

The appointments follow the recent hiring of Nicole Thornton as Vice President, Product & Planning, and the promotion of Samantha Crimmin to Vice President, Operations.

Together, the four executives will focus on improving expedition delivery, developing new polar experiences and strengthening collaboration between the teams responsible for planning and operating voyages.

Jake Morrison to oversee expedition operations

Morrison brings more than 15 years of experience with Quark Expeditions, having first joined its expedition team in 2010.

A trained aircraft pilot and expedition leader, he has completed more than 100 voyages aboard over 10 vessels. He also spent six years in the company's Toronto office overseeing expedition staffing, procurement and logistics.

Morrison played a key role in developing and delivering Quark's helicopter program aboard Ultramarine.

In his new position, he will oversee expedition staffing, permitting, expedition delivery and helicopter operations.

“Jake’s experience spans virtually every aspect of our operation, from the field to the office,” said Samantha Crimmin, Vice President, Operations.

“His ability to connect people, solve problems and translate frontline experience into practical action makes him uniquely positioned to help us continue delivering seamless and industry-leading expeditions.”

Sarah Friedlander joins from Lindblad Expeditions

Friedlander joins Quark Expeditions from Lindblad Expeditions, where she most recently served as Manager of Expedition Development.

Her background includes expedition operations, field leadership and product development, as well as experience working as a naturalist and expedition team member.

As Senior Product Manager, Friedlander will collaborate with Quark's operations, commercial and expedition teams to develop and refine experiences in the Arctic and Antarctica.

Her responsibilities will include enhancing off-ship activities such as heli-hiking and ice sheet landings, alongside onboard educational programming and cultural experiences.

“Sarah’s appointment further reinforces our commitment to building products that are informed by operational expertise and designed around the guest experience,” said Nicole Thornton, Vice President, Product & Planning.

Focus on polar experiences

Operating exclusively in the polar regions since 1991, Quark Expeditions says the leadership appointments reflect its continued investment in specialized expedition expertise.

The company aims to bring its operations and product teams closer together to create more distinctive polar itineraries and offer travellers additional opportunities to explore destinations beyond the ship.

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