Hans Lagerweij - President and CEO
Hans holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master in Brand Management from Eramus University, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. To earn his degrees he spent six months studying at St. Gallen University, in Switzerland. For almost 12 years he worked in various marketing, sales and commercial innovation roles with American packaged goods companies - Kimberly-Clark and Sara Lee. His career has taken him to the United Kingdom, Germany and Spain as well as his native Holland.
In 2008, Hans combined his love for adventure travel and his expertise in branding when he became Managing Director of Sawadee Reizen, one of the TUI Travel Group of Companies. His involvement with Quark began when Sawadee became the General Sales Agent for the polar expedition company in the Dutch and Belgian markets.
Are you a family man?
"My wife, Isabelle, and I have two children. Kevin will celebrate his 7th birthday in October in Canada. Aimee, our daughter, turned five in May."
Tell us about your adventure travel experience?
"My love of diving has taken me to New Zealand, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Cuba and the United States. As well as many European destinations. I have a PADI advanced licence, logging more than 150 dives. I've been to Spitsbergen aboard the Akademik Ioffe - no diving though! And of course I have traveled to Antarctica aboard the Sea Spirit!"
What skills or special insight do you bring to the role of President of Quark Expeditions?"
"My professional passion for brands, marketing and commercial plans is underpinned by my interest in the creative process. Anyone can be creative. Creativity is an important base for innovation; and innovation is important for creating and differentiating a strong brand. That's what I'm looking forward to leading at Quark!"
