Our Heritage & Experience
Polar Specialists since 1991
Lars Wikander and Mike McDowell were two adventurers that hankered to visit the North Pole, one of the few places on the planet they had never been. Their first expedition inspired the pair to make travel to the polar regions the focus of their business.
From the company's launch Quark Expeditions combined the spirit of adventure with a deep sense of environmental responsibility and a strong desire to educate others about the wonders at the ends of the Earth.
In 1998, Lars Wikander became the majority owner of the company. Three years later Lars became Chairman of the Board, when Patrick Shaw joined the company as President and Chief Executive Officer. Patrick recruited a new management team and developed a corporate strategy to weather changes in the expedition business, while expanding opportunities for the exploration of high latitudes.
On May 1, 2007, Quark Expeditions became part of the UK-based TUI Travel PLC Group of Companies. As President, Mr. Shaw continues to lead the same professional management team and dedicated staff that have been growing Quark Expeditions over the past years.
2010 saw a change of leadership when Rene Andersen joined Quark as president.
2011 is our 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion we will make a 20th anniversary sailing to the North Pole as well as a 20th anniversary transit of the Northeast Passage.