Swan Hellenic has strengthened its commercial leadership across the Americas with three senior appointments to accelerate growth through the travel trade as the cultural expedition cruise line continues its international expansion.
The company has appointed Gordon Dirker as Senior Vice President, Americas, alongside Jennifer Zammit as Senior Director, Canada Sales, and Jane Martin as Sales Director, National Host Accounts.The move significantly expands Swan Hellenic’s commercial capability across North and South America, a key growth region for the brand.
Gordon 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.
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 specialized 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.
Gordon’s return is particularly valuable as he already possesses an in-depth knowledge of Swan Hellenic’s product, brand values, and commercial philosophy. 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.
Swan Hellenic has consistently earned top ratings and recognition from the travel industry’s leading publications and prestigious awards, reflecting the exceptional quality of its onboard service and its elegant, purpose-built ships.
In Canada, Jennifer joins as Sales Director Canada, bringing extensive experience in luxury travel and trade partnerships. She joins from Rocky Mountaineer, where she served as Key Account Manager for Canada, and has previously held commercial roles at Huntington Travel Group and Globus Family of Brands.
Jennifer will focus on strengthening the company’s presence in the Canadian market and developing strategic partnerships with the travel trade.
Jane joins as Sales Director, National Host Accounts, 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.
Commenting on the appointments, Mario Bounas, CCO of Swan Hellenic, said: “ 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.”
Gordon added: “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.”
Swan Hellenic said the expanded team reflects its continued investment in the Americas as a strategic growth market, with a focus on strengthening trade partnerships and expanding advisor-led sales channels.
