“My love for the brand will always remain": Shane Buksh leaving Seabourn amid team merger with HAL

The Seabourn and Holland America Line (HAL) teams in Canada will see some changes after the Carnival Corporation on Tuesday (July 30) revealed that the two brands will consolidate their sales teams, covering both North America and Australia.

“Combining the two sales teams enables us to leverage and integrate industry-leading reporting, analytics and commercial trade programs for both brands,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, in a statement.

As a result of the changes, Vancouver-based Shane Buksh, North American director of national accounts at Seabourn, is leaving the company.

“It saddens me to say that I will be leaving Seabourn at the end of this week,” Buksh wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday. “My love for the brand will always remain.”

“They say all good things must come to an end. Instead I like to think they help bring you toward something even better. Onward to a new chapter, and thank you to my Seabourn friends and family shoreside and onboard for all the memories.”

Maxine Gundermann, senior manager of national and strategic accounts at Seabourn, will remain in her position.  

Other roles in Canada, meanwhile, will be streamlined. The team includes Aaron Crawford (BDM Eastern Canada, HAL & Seabourn); Fiona Schonewille (BDM Western Canada, HAL & Seabourn); Tom Steer (senior manager national accounts Canada, HAL); and Stephanie Tate Croning (business development representative Canada, HAL & Seabourn).

Rob Coleman, previously VP of sales for Holland America Line, will lead the new two-brand team as senior vice-president of sales for North America and Australia.

“Our field sales team already is experienced in representing both Holland America Line and Seabourn, and combining forces makes us a powerhouse,” said Coleman in a statement. “This will be highly beneficial for travel advisors who already work with both brands, providing consistency, focus and enhanced support for their businesses.”

Coleman continues to report to Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line.

“Over the past 25 years, Rob has been an invaluable asset to Holland America Line’s sales team,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line, in a statement. “With his expertise he is poised to lead Holland America Line and Seabourn in an exciting opportunity to further build and expand trade alliances.”

Under the new company structure, Tara Schreiner has also been promoted to vice president of national and strategic partnerships for Holland America and Seabourn.

Steve Smotrys, Seabourn’s VP, sales and trade relations, will also be leaving the company in September.

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