Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) made changes in its Asia-Pacific operations that it said will further leverage corporate resources there and strengthen its presence in the China market.
Steve Odell, senior vice president and managing director Asia-Pacific, has expanded his role to include China operations along with the greater Asia-Pacific region. Alex (Yucheng) Xiang has been promoted to managing director of the China operations, reporting to Odell.
David Herrera, previously president of China operations and based in Shanghai, will relocate back to Miami as senior vice president strategy and corporate development. He will report to Frank Del Rio, president and CEO.
Herrera established the company’s Shanghai and Beijing offices in 2015 and has worked closely with travel partners and government officials there. Under his leadership Norwegian Cruise Line successfully launched Norwegian Joy in 2017.
With this dedicated ship, Herrera and his team achieved the fastest growth of any market for NCLH in 2017. Norwegian Joy will sail its first full year in China in 2018, essentially doubling the company’s capacity in the region.
With Xiang’s promotion to managing director, he will serve as the first senior officer in the region. Xiang has been with the China team since its start. As vice president sales he has played a critical role in the region’s success to date. Xiang’s promotion is effective February 2, when he will assume leadership of the Shanghai and Beijing teams.
Prior to joining NCLH, Xiang held a number of senior executive roles in sales, marketing and business development, including deputy general manager, sales & marketing in China for Royal Caribbean Cruise Service (China).
Odell’s expanded role involves overseeing the greater Asia-Pacific region, including China. He joined the company in October 2015 to spearhead the launch of its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Sydney. Odell has 30 years of cruise industry experience, 17 of those in Asia.
In his expanded role, he is responsible for the strategic expansion, vision and continued growth for NCLH in the fast growing Asia-Pacific market. He is currently chairman of CLIA Australasia and a founding board member of the Asia Cruise Association. Odell will continue to report to Sommer.
