Hurtigruten has appointed Matthew Stuart as sales director for UK and emerging markets, effective early April, the company said in a press release.

Stuart will lead Hurtigruten’s trade sales strategy across the UK and selected emerging markets, working with travel partners to drive growth and strengthen strategic relationships.

“His strategic mindset, commercial acumen and genuine passion for the travel industry stood out immediately,” said Hayley Moore, vice president of sales and marketing for UK and emerging markets at Hurtigruten. “He will play an important role in deepening our partnerships and driving the next phase of growth.”

Stuart brings more than 15 years of experience across the travel industry, spanning touring, resort holidays and cruise.

He joins Hurtigruten from Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, where he spent the past four years, most recently as strategic account manager responsible for several of the brand’s largest trade partnerships across the UK and Ireland.

Prior to Celebrity Cruises, Stuart held senior commercial roles at Club Med across the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia and began his career in touring with Collette Tours.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to work closely with travel trade partners across the UK and emerging markets to introduce an even wider audience to the unique experiences Hurtigruten offers in the Nordics,” Stuart said.