Jørn Henriksen, director of expedition operations at Viking, has been appointed chair of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators’ executive committee, according to a press release.

Henriksen has been involved in Antarctic travel since 2000 and has been an IAATO member since 2005.

He was elected to the executive committee in 2024 and previously served as chair of the association’s bylaws committee.

“Having served on the executive committee for two years, I have seen the work that goes into guiding IAATO’s core values,” said Henriksen.

“I’m passionate about the work we do as a responsible tourism organisation, and I’m honoured to now serve as chair of the executive committee.”

He succeeds John McKeon, co-founder and owner of Polar Latitudes, who stepped down after serving on the committee for the maximum term of five years, the last two as chair.

Henriksen is also joined by new executive committee members Kim Crosbie, director and chair of the board at Noble Caledonia, Iain McNeill, chief operating officer at HX, and Kara Weller, senior manager of expedition operations at Seabourn.

The appointments were made following a vote at IAATO’s annual meeting, held from April 21 to 23 in Annapolis, Maryland.

“Our executive committee plays an essential role in guiding IAATO’s priorities and vision each season,” said Lisa Kelley, executive director at IAATO.

“I welcome our new members and chair and look forward to collaborating as a team.”

The new appointees join current committee members Diana Galimberti, senior advisor at Antarctica21, and Sibrand Hassing, director of marine and port operations at Holland America Line, both appointed in 2021.