Long-term Strategy, Short-term Execution, Immediate Results

Strategic Planning & Execution

“Hans developed and implemented a strategic plan for the company, establishing itself as the undisputed market leader in Great Lakes cruising. Hans took the lead in expanding our distribution, both within the US travel agent channels, and international wholesalers. He also reorganized the marketing function, building a strong marketing team focusing on digital and online. The business was successfully sold, and I can strongly recommend Hans, and his solid commercial and strategic skills."

Strategic Planning & Execution

"Hans is incredible! His experience in the luxury hospitality space gives him such a unique perspective into how to run a business. He has given valuable advice and guidance for our business all the way from a high-level strategy perspective all the way to detailed branding and customer experience initiatives. Have loved working with him and would highly recommend him to any company!"

Results Driven

"Hans is an outstanding managing director who always delivers exceptional results. I was responsible for hiring Hans when he joined the TUI Group. in a short space of time, he revitalized our Dutch adventure tour operation before being promoted to President of Quark Expeditions in Toronto. During his time at Quark he has re-established the business as market leader and grown both its market share and improved profitability significantly. His talents allow him to adapt and improve any business in even the most difficult of circumstance, whilst importantly leading and developing great teams."

Product Development

"It's with pleasure that I acknowledge the professional skillset that Hans is carrying with him both on and of the workplace. Hans is a true leader and industry professional who is very
knowledgeable within the cruise and expedition industry. I have worked with Hans during the setup and outline technical specifications for the Four Seasons Yacht where Hans represented the vision and direction as set forth by Four Seasons. Hans is a true team player and always motivated to go the extra mile. My best wishes goes to Hans in his career and will welcome him anytime."

Product Development

"Hans is a true professional in the realm of the cruise industry. He is knowledgeable, understands in-depth operational aspects and luxury. It was a pleasure to work together on the Four Seasons Yacht project as we developed in tandem intriguing programs and worked through exciting designs and concepts. His supporting and caring nature is a bonus to any organization. I look forward to remaining in-touch with Hans as he progresses to his next venture."

Team Building & Leadership

"It is with enthusiasm and pleasure that I recommend Hans Lagerweij. Hans, in my estimation, is that rare business leader who can balance commercial and cultural objectives, can be an inspirational leader and set remarkably high expectations, and can inspire staff and customers alike to want to work for or with him and his team.

In my time working with Hans I was privileged to watch him build a remarkably successful business, and then to step into a more senior, broader role. Often leaders who make this transition struggle to learn new skills and objectives. Hans sought out feedback, coaching, and support and he diligently planned his transition. Moreover, his execution of his plan was flawless. I have rarely seen others manage similar changes as smoothly."

Team Building & Leadership

"Hans was my CEO for a few years and helped the brand to grow immensely on a global market. I very much enjoyed working with him. He gave me the opportunity to work in the expedition field. Hans instills confidence, positive energy in everyone on his team! Hans is an asset to any company!"

Innovation

"Innovation is a slippery field; one must tread carefully yet confidently. And that's the great thing about working with Hans on complex service and product innovation projects. He knows when new ideas deserve to be nurtured, then acts decisively when the time has come to choose amongst them and get them to market. I enjoyed this tremendously while working with him at Sara Lee and then later on in his amazing work at TUI."

Organizational Transformation / Change Management

"Hans is an energetic and visionary leader committed to innovation and excellence. As a result, he is successful at implementing change rapidly and effectively throughout the organization."

Commercial Strategy Leadership

"Hans supported the start-up of Positive Polar, building a commercial strategy, structuring our future marketing and sales department, hiring talented colleagues, and supporting the implementation of our reservation/business/payment systems. He also has an impressive network within the travel industry, as he introduced us to many interesting contacts. Hans has strong commercial, strategic, and business acumen skills. I can strongly recommend him!
"

Commercial Strategy Leadership

"Hans has a well honed insight into the expedition market and a strong body of relationships to help execute any strategic plan in the space. He is especially strong in understanding the marketing and branding aspects of the industry."

Partnership Development and Management

"Hans has done an amazing job forging a relationship with Signature Travel Network. He and his team dig in and really partnered with us and our members, generating fantastic new business together and deep relationships. Thanks for your leadership and hard work to make this all happen."

Board Experience

"I've served with Hans as an NED and then Chair at The Safer Tourism Foundation. He brings his wide experience in different sectors of travel, transportation and hospitality sectors, and also branded consumer goods to every discussion. Hans has a sharp strategic focus. He keeps asking the important questions, and is one of the most valuable board members contributing in meetings."

Board Experience

"I have worked with Hans as a fellow Trustee on the board of the Safer Tourism Foundation. This was a fledgling charity when we started and Hans positive contribution has helped to shape the organisation to the respected charity it is today. Hans is a dynamic contributor , a good communicator, knowledgeable about the travel industry and a valued team player. He would be an asset as a non exec on any board."

Coaching

"Hans possesses a gift for strategic coaching that sets him apart. His ability to guide leaders through complex business decisions while building their capabilities is remarkable. What truly distinguishes Hans is his talent for combining strategic insight with practical mentorship - he doesn't just advise, he empowers teams to think differently and execute with confidence. His coaching style masterfully balances challenging conventional thinking while providing clear, actionable guidance. Having observed his methodical approach to developing both strategies and people, I've seen how he consistently elevates both organizational performance and leadership capabilities. Any executive or organization seeking growth through strategic coaching would find Hans's guidance invaluable."