Chief Commercial Officer

Introduction

• Commercial, creative and hands-on director sought for leading travel specialist organising small-scale activity-filled expedition cruises for travellers to Antarctica, Spitsbergen and Greenland.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, creativity and originality, initiative and drive and an informal and friendly work environment, where authenticity and pragmatism are key.

Excellent benefits package, including an annual salary depending on background and experience of around €200,000, a bonus scheme and lease car.
Across more than 30 years, the current director-major shareholders have skilfully transformed the organisation from its pioneering phase into one of the largest tour operators to the polar regions. In light of the current director-major shareholder’s/CCO’s wish to step away from day-to-day operations and Oceanwide Expeditions’ further growth ambitions, BDO Executive Search & Interim is looking for a:

Chief Commercial Officer / CCO
- a creative thinker with a sharp eye for identifying commercial opportunities -

Position
Oceanwide Expeditions offers challenging travel programmes to the polar regions with minimum time spent on board, and maximum time exploring on shore. As CCO, you will further their vision of “making an impact on people’s lives” and help expand the organisation".

In this position, you will lead the development and execution of the commercial strategy, leveraging your teams’ expertise to achieve business objectives. You will strengthen Oceanwide Expeditions’ competitive position by anticipating trends and opportunities in the market. You will partner with the CEO to form the executive team, which reports to the shareholders. Alongside this role, you will also manage the sales, marketing, reservations, product development and logistics departments.

You and your teams will continuously analyse booking and market developments, identify opportunities and develop and execute strategies aimed at increasing sales and optimising vessel occupancy rates. Working alongside sales, you will manage existing relationships, drive customer portfolio growth and develop new markets. This will involve you visiting international trade fairs, existing customers and tour operators as well as prospects.

Collaborating with the marketing and sales team, you will devise and develop creative campaigns that enhance Oceanwide Expeditions’ brand recognition and drive sales. Your novel perspectives on social media, advertising and digital tools, among other things, will help advance the organisation. Together, you will create inspiring concepts that also appeal to new target audiences.

Job requirements
You bring drive, decisiveness and a results-focused mindset to your role as CCO. Our ideal candidate effortlessly balances strategic thinking with practical action, reflecting the collaborative ethos at Oceanwide. Your pragmatic and hands-on approach defines your role as a cooperative foreman. Your coaching leadership style is evident in your ability to connect easily and mobilise others towards shared goals. Your ability to effectively execute tasks makes you adept at delivering results. An open communication style and clear focus characterise your way of working. You are comfortable in an informal work environment, where hard work is complemented by various social activities with the team. Furthermore, you are enthusiastic about discovering exciting travel experiences

You also have:

• Completed a course of studies at higher professional education (hbo) or university level, preferably in the field of marketing and/or sales.
• At least five years’ experience in a similar managerial role in the travel, hotel, airline, advertising, events or similar sector.
• A proven track record in developing and implementing commercial growth strategies.
• At least ten years’ experience in marketing & sales.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Dutch, German and/or other languages will be an advantage.

Description of the organisation and the department
In 1993, the Van Gessel family established Oceanwide Expeditions, laying the groundwork for one of the world’s largest and most esteemed polar expedition cruise operators. Employing a sailing vessel which they bought in 1992, Michel and his father Wijnand aimed to follow in the footsteps of Dutch explorers like Willem Barentsz, taking passengers along with them.

Today, Oceanwide Expeditions embarks on around 100 voyages a year operating their own fleet, which consists of three motor vessels and a three-mast schooner. In October 2025, they expect to add a newly built vessel to their fleet. Offering a range of special interest trips and carefully curated open-air activities combined with a focus on sustainability and nature conservation, Oceanwide has won the award for World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator five times.

The company’s success stems from the entrepreneurial spirit of both management and staff, who see opportunities where others see challenges. Individually as well as collectively, they are driven by a desire to enhance people’s enjoyment of the polar regions and create unforgettable travel experiences

What the company offers
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity in a proud family business that values openness and informality. You will play an important role in the further professionalisation and growth of the organisation, with highly committed and entrepreneurial colleagues. Oceanwide Expeditions offers an excellent benefits package. You will be based in Vlissingen (minimum of 3 days per week), with the option for hybrid working.

Sound interesting?
Recruitment and selection will be handled by BDO Executive Search & Interim. Please send your application, including your CV and a covering letter tailored to the position, to Anouk Vermaak and Anne-Marie de Kuster, quoting vacancy number 706 via the application form. As you would expect, your application will be treated in the strictest confidence. The application process may involve a psychological assessment. The application procedure will conclude with a pre-employment screening.

No agencies please.

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