Steve Odell, the long-time face of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in the Asia-Pacific market, is transitioning to an ambassador role as both luxury cruise brands restructure their global sales leadership.
The move is part of a broader reshuffle announced this week that sees Wesley D’Silva appointed President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, while Nathan Hickman and Shawn Tubman take on newly created Chief Sales Officer roles for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, respectively.
Jason Montague continues as Chief Luxury Officer, overseeing strategic direction for both brands.
What does Steve Odell’s move mean for APAC?
Odell has been one of the most recognisable figures in luxury cruising across the Asia-Pacific region, originally joining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in 2015 to build the APAC business for the group’s three brands, based in Sydney.
After a period of early retirement, he rejoined in January 2024 as SVP and Chief Sales Officer, relocating from Sydney to Miami. He was subsequently promoted to SVP International and Consumer Sales for both Regent and Oceania.
“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,” Montague said.
Lisa Pile, who was promoted to Vice President, Sales and General Manager, Asia-Pacific, for both brands in late February, will continue in that role and now reports to both Hickman and Tubman under the new structure.
With Odell stepping back from operational leadership, Pile becomes the primary point of contact for the APAC trade. James Sitters, Director of Sales for Australia and New Zealand, reports directly to Pile.
How does the new global structure work?
The reshuffle creates dedicated sales leadership for each brand. Hickman, as Chief Sales Officer for Oceania Cruises, reports to Montague. Tubman takes the equivalent role at Regent Seven Seas Cruises and reports to newly appointed President Wesley D’Silva. Both CSOs will oversee global sales performance, travel advisor engagement and commercial development across all markets.
For the first time, both North American and international domestic sales teams report to the two CSOs. Regional leaders, including Paul Beale (UK and Ireland), Gabriella Fonzo (Central Europe, Middle East and Africa), Pile (Asia-Pacific) and Frank Medina (Latin America and Brazil), will report to both Hickman and Tubman, according to the company.
“This strengthened leadership structure positions us to accelerate our strategic plans to take both brands to new heights and support our Travel Advisor community with even greater focus,” Montague said.
“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.”
What’s driving the shake-up?
The restructure comes amid strong commercial momentum for both brands, according to the company. Oceania Cruises says it recorded a record-breaking opening day for Oceania Sonata, the line’s newest ship, in January. The line has five Sonata Class ships scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2037.
Regent, meanwhile, says January was its most successful booking month in its history. The ultra-luxury line will welcome Seven Seas Prestige later this year, its first new ship class in a decade, with three more Prestige Class ships on order for delivery in 2030, 2033 and 2036.
