Cruise veteran Steve Odell has had his responsibilities expanded by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
He is taking responsibility for the company’s operations in China along with the greater Asia Pacific region.
Odell, previously with Silversea, joined the company in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of NCLH’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Sydney.
As senior vice president and managing director Asia Pacific, his expanded job includes the “strategic expansion, vision and continued growth” of the company’s presence in the fast growing Asia Pacific market.
He is chairman of Clia Australasia and a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association. Odell will continue to report to Harry Sommer, executive vice president, international business development.
David Herrera, previously president of the cruise group’s China operations based in Shanghai, will relocate to Miami as senior vice president of strategy and corporate sevelopment.
Herrera established offices in Shanghai and Beijing in 2015, positioning the company for long-term growth in China with the deployment of purpose-built new ship Norwegian Joy last year.
Norwegian Joy will sail its first full year in China this year, essentially doubling the company’s capacity in the region.
Alex Xiang has been promoted to managing director of the company’s China operations, reporting to Odell. Xiang has been with NCLH in China as vice president of sales.