Ponant Announces U.S.-Based Leadership Appointments

Ponant has announced three new appointments: Bert van Middendorp, development director hotel experience; Natasha Hanson, expedition exploration director; and Vanessa Kraus, director of marketing, Americas. The announcement comes on the heels of Ponant-owned Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two recent appointments of Susan Robison, general manager, sales and marketing; and Liz Coleman, VP of sales.

With more than 30 years of experience in the cruise and hospitality industry, Van Middendorp is responsible for managing the onboard hotel experience across Ponant’s fleet. He is tasked with defining and elevating service excellence on the vessels and continuing to develop client relations. Before joining Ponant, he successfully led teams at Seabourn, Cunard, Crystal and Azamara, where he contributed to the creation of an all-inclusive, upscale offering with global deployment at Azamara.

As the director of expedition operations, Hanson oversees all expeditions and excursion activities for Ponant. She also manages the team of expedition guides, excursion managers and local guides. Prior to this role, Hanson was the senior operations manager at Crystal Cruises as head of expeditions. She has held various positions at Holland America Group and Hurtigruten, besides working as an expedition leader at Seabourn Cruise Line and Poseidon Expeditions.

Kraus leads the North American marketing efforts for Ponant. As director of marketing, Americas, she will be responsible for continuing to build awareness and drive bookings for the brand’s portfolio. Kraus joins Ponant with over 15 years of brand management and communications experience. She has held various senior marketing positions, including her most recent stint at Miller Environmental Group and Sea Tow Services.

Van Middendorp and Kraus are based in New York, while Hanson is based in Seattle.

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