Coral Expeditions has added three new leaders to its Cairns-based commercial team with Andrew Thwaites as Global Director of Sales, Chris Jahnsen as Marketing Manager and Katherine Plohl joining as Reservations & Revenue Manager.
The Australian-owned and -operated company is seizing the opportunity to scale up its operational capability amid rapid growth of the expedition travel sector.
Andrew Thwaites has commenced in the new role of global Director of Sales, bringing deep cruise sector knowledge and a robust industry network with more than 15 years’ experience at Carnival Australia including as Head of Sales, overseeing Seabourn, Holland America and P&O Cruises.
As the new Marketing Manager, Chris Jahnsen will lead the marketing team, digital transformation initiatives and integration projects with the NRMA group and members.
He joins Coral Expeditions with proven experience within the media industry across performance and destination marketing, most recently with dentsu Australia where he delivered client solutions across several categories, including travel, FMCG, finance, and not-for-profits.
He also spent several years leading consumer marketing activity at Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
As Reservations & Revenue Manager, Katherine Plohl will guide the sales and service team, guest relations and inventory management.
The Cairns local has extensive experience in reservations leadership, including four years at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and with Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns.
Commercial Director Jeff Gillies said the appointments reflect Coral Expeditions’ commitment to growth and evolution in the region.
“These are exciting times for the business as we continue to see a rise in demand for our unique style of product here in Australia and around the world,” he said.
“I look forward to the enthusiasm and skills that Andrew, Chris and Kath will bring to the team and help us build on the reputation and legacy we have created as the pioneers of expedition in the Australasian and Asia Pacific region.”
Find out more at coralexpeditions.com
