HX Expeditions CEO Gebhard Rainer to Depart

Gebhard Rainer, who has served as CEO of HX Expeditions since 2024, will step down in order to return to the USA to be closer to his family. He will remain as CEO during a transition period and work with the Board over the next few months to ensure an orderly handover.

The Board is undertaking an executive search to identify and appoint the next CEO.

Since joining HX in 2024, Rainer has helped strengthen the business, bringing stability and a renewed focus on growth. He has overseen a new digital booking system and guest app, and a stronger focus on the guest experience, both on board and ashore.

HX has advanced its strategic objectives, with year-to-date bookings up more than 25% globally, including 58% in the US.

“The Board has full confidence in the exceptionally strong team Gebhard has built to lead HX through this transition,” said Alex Dichter, chair of the HX Board. “Since joining in 2024, he has brought stability, strong leadership, and a clear focus on the guest experience, from the first digital interaction to life on board. We thank him for that contribution and respect his personal decision to return home to be closer to his family. Our focus now is on an orderly transition and appointing our next CEO. We will work closely with Gebhard throughout his notice period to deliver that.”

“This has been a difficult decision, but returning home to the USA to be closer to my family is important to me,” Rainer said. “HX is a UK company headquartered in London, so leading the team from the U.S. was not viable. I am proud of what we have achieved together, strengthening the business and building momentum for the future… Throughout the transition, I will remain focused on delivering our strategy, supporting our crew and guests, and working with the Board to ensure a smooth handover.”

Prior to joining HX Expeditions, Rainer spent six years as CEO of Sandals Resorts International. He also served in a variety of capacities at Hyatt for more than 25 years.