Alfredo Spadon completes his pivotal contribution to relaunching the pioneering brand, passing the reins to Patrizia Iantorno in the expanded strategic role of Chief Commercial Officer. Anna Wolfsteiner will be joining her in a new key position as SVP Sales Europe and UK.

Cultural expedition cruise pioneer Swan Hellenic has announced a number of important top-level developments. Confirming that it has now completed its return to global recognition as a unique brand offering premium discovery experiences worldwide, Alfredo Spadon, the SVP of Global Sales and Marketing who moulded the contemporary evolution of its heritage, is leaving the company. His job done, he is passing the reins to right-hand woman Patrizia Iantorno, who joined the company almost exactly a year ago.

Patrizia rises from VP of Global Marketing to take on the new senior strategic role of Chief Commercial Officer, especially created to support the integrated development of the company’s close customer focus and distinctive service values.

Anna Wolfsteiner will be joining her from 15 September, also in a newly created role, as Senior Vice President of Sales Europe and UK. Anna will focus her over 29 years travel industry experience, including more than 11 in senior positions at Scenic Group, on providing close support to Swan Hellenic’s European customers and trade partners. The position reflects the company’s increasing cross-generational appeal and vigorous growth across the region, beyond its historic “home” market of the UK.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito said: “It’s been a privilege to work with Alfredo, bringing the new Swan Hellenic vision to life. Everyone in the team he put together and steered with humble leadership and masterful support owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. He has played a key role in creating the unique spirit that distinguishes our company today.

“Patrizia has already taken able charge of the transition, having spent the past 12 months working closely alongside him, significantly enriching our guest experience and trade support.

“Lastly, it gives me great pleasure to welcome Anna Wolfsteiner, who will be reporting directly to Patrizia as SVP Sales Europe. Anna’s a perfect fit for our company, combining big-picture strategic acumen with detail focus and strong relational values. I am delighted that she will be bringing her insightful personal touch to this dedicated new role”.

Alfredo Spadon, outgoing SVP of Global Sales and Marketing, commented: “It’s been a privilege to play a role in the launch of this visionary start-up during a period of intense historic challenges, from the COVID pandemic to the geopolitical situation. I’d like to thank our trade partners, media colleagues and above all the fantastically talented and dedicated Swan Hellenic team around the world for their faith, commitment and hard work. We’ve created a distinctive premium brand that builds on an exceptional heritage to offer uniquely enriching discovery experiences of our wonderful world. Congratulations for now and the future. I know you’ll continue to surprise and exceed expectations!”