Industry Veteran Kelvin Murray Joins HX as Director of Expedition Operations

Wednesday, Aug 13, 2025 0

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world’s first and longest-running expedition cruise company, today proudly announces the appointment of Kelvin Murray as Director, Expedition Operations.

Kelvin will report directly to HX’s Chief Operations Officer Iain McNeill and joins the Operations Leadership Team (OLT) at a pivotal time, as HX prepares to celebrate 130 years of expedition excellence in 2026. In this role, Kelvin will work closely across both Operations and Commercial teams to elevate and ensure a consistently outstanding Guest Expedition Experience – one that reflects HX’s proud heritage and ambitious future in global expedition.

Kelvin brings a global reputation and deep operational expertise to HX, honed over decades of leadership in the field. Most recently, he served as Head of Expeditions at EYOS Expeditions, where he led groundbreaking trips across every continent and ocean. He has also worked with other expedition cruise companies including Oceanwide Expeditions and Lindblad.

Murray has been involved in some groundbreaking activities including taking the largest passenger ship to date through the Northwest Passage, producing the first live 4K broadcast from Antarctica, and guiding record-setting submersible explorations of the deep ocean. Kelvin has also served on AECO’s Executive Committee, several IAATO committees, and held roles with conservation societies and the British Antarctic Survey. He is also known for his popular TEDx talk on ‘Expedition Resilience’.

“Kelvin is a world-class expedition leader and operational strategist with an instinct for people, place, and purpose,” said Iain McNeill, COO of HX. ” As we approach our 130th anniversary, Kelvin’s vision and experience will be instrumental in raising the bar for our guests and our expedition teams. He joins us with an impeccable record and a passion for excellence that matches HX’s legacy.”

Commenting on his new role, Kelvin Murray shared: “I’m thrilled to join HX and help build upon their successful and extensive expedition heritage. These trips are as much about people

as they are places, and I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue HX being a safe, sustainable, mindful and cool way to explore the world.”

With Kelvin Murray joining the helm of Expedition Operations, HX is set to continue defining what modern expedition cruising means for the next century.