The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has appointed Stefan Kredel to its Executive Committee. Stefan, part of the IAATO community since 1998, was appointed following a vote at IAATO’s Annual Meeting, held this week (April 25 to 27) in Hamburg, Germany.

He said: “I’m delighted to be able to support the objectives of IAATO from within the Executive Committee in particular the challenges created by industry growth to continue our record of safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.”

Every year at IAATO’s annual meeting, members have open and candid discussions on safety, environmental protection, and self-management. Decision-making is supported by recommendations developed by IAATO’s 11 dedicated committees and nine working groups throughout the year. The meeting concludes annually with the voting in of new policies on best practice which support the association’s mission.

IAATO Executive Committee Chair, Tudor Morgan, said: “Stefan’s breadth and depth of experience in polar matters will be a true asset to the association. I very much look forward to working with him over the following year.

It is at the association’s annual meeting that new members are elected to vacant positions on the IAATO Executive Committee. Stepping down from the EC after two years is Steve Wellmeier, Director of Special Projects at Poseidon Expeditions.

Now Senior Director of Expedition Product and Itinerary Development with IAATO Operator Silversea, Stefan first joined the polar community as a lecturer of geology and palaeontology on board expedition ships in 1998, leading expeditions in Antarctica, and around the world, from 2006.

He joins current EC members, Tudor Morgan, Diana Galimberti, Sibrand Hassing, Brandon Harvey and John McKeon in leading the organisation in matters of forward strategy, environmental and operational best practice, managing for growth, making decisions on behalf of the membership where appropriate.

The composition of the EC is designed to reflect both the geographical distribution and operational activities of the Membership.