Steve Odell, one of the cruise industry’s best loved leaders, returns to Australia

• Steve Odell was the first to lead Norwegian Cruise Lines, Regent and Oceania in Australia.
• He built the business to 170 staff members before being transferred to a major role in Miami.
• Now he is returning in a newly-created leadership position amid major changes at parent company NCL.

The man who built Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ and Oceania Cruises‘ success in Australia, New Zealand and Asia is returning to the region in a new role.

Parent company NCL is undergoing major leadership changes, including at the very top of one of the world’s biggest cruise companies.

Veteran senior commercial executive Steve Odell is coming home to Sydney as ambassador for both brands.

“Steve is a well-known, much-loved and highly accomplished sales professional in the luxury travel industry and we couldn’t be happier that he has agreed to continue his connection with our brands,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Oceania and RSSC.

Odell is expected to be back in April, when Oceania Vista makes her first visit Down Under.

Odell is a former chair of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and a leading figure in the luxury cruise industry. Over a decade, he oversaw the building of the NCL brands in Australasia to become the leading luxury cruise operator.

During his tenure with the brands, Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises have grown their fleets, launched new and revolutionary vessels and changed the face of luxury cruising.

Odell also rode the amazing transition of Australia’s cruisers from mainly premium to luxury lovers.

He was moved to the Miami headquarters of NCL two years ago and rose to be Senior Vice President International and Consumer Sales.

Odell at the birthday party of the Sydney office he helped create

Wesley D’Silva has been appointed President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reporting to Montague who will continue to lead the long-term strategic direction of both brands.

Nathan Hickman and Shawn Tubman have been appointed Chief Sales Officers for Oceania Cruises and RSSC, respectively. They will oversee the global sales performances, travel advisor engagement and commercial developments across all markets. Hickman will report to Jason Montague, while Tubman will report to Wesley D’Silva.

“This strengthened leadership structure positions us to accelerate our strategic plans to take both brands to new heights and support our Travel Advisors community with even greater focus. Travel Advisors are integral to our success and these organisational changes reflect our unwavering commitment to creating even more opportunity within the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise segments,” Mr Montague added.