Quark Expeditions has announced the appointments of Jake Morrison as senior director, expedition operations, and Sarah Friedlander as senior product manager, to its operational and product leadership.

The announcement follows the recent hiring of Nicole Thornton as vice president, product and planning, and the promotion of physician and veteran expedition team member Samantha Crimmin to vice president, operations.

“Morrison’s experience spans virtually every aspect of our operation, from the field to the office,” said Crimmin. “His ability to connect people, solve problems and translate frontline experience into practical action makes him uniquely positioned to help us continue delivering seamless and industry-leading expeditions.”

“Friedlander’s appointment further reinforces our commitment to building products that are informed by operational expertise and designed around the guest experience,” said Thornton.

“Her perspective and collaborative approach will help ensure our teams continue working closely together to develop differentiated polar adventures that give our guests more ways to experience the polar regions than they ever imagined possible,” added Thornton.

Quark said that, drawing on decades of experience, the four leaders will help the company continue to strengthen its polar-only expedition team, translate deep field expertise into innovative expedition programming, and offer new ways for guests to get off the ship and explore more in the polar regions.

Morrison first joined Quark’s Expedition Team in 2010, then spent six years in the Toronto office leading expedition staffing, procurement and logistics.

In his new role, Morrison will oversee expedition staffing, permitting, expedition delivery and the company’s helicopter operations program, supporting alignment between planning, execution and onboard operations so guests can continue to get off ship and explore the polar regions more often.

Friedlander joins Quark from Lindblad Expeditions, where she most recently served as Manager of Expedition Development.

Working with the operations, commercial and expedition teams, Friedlander will help shape the continued evolution of Quark’s polar experiences, from signature off-ship adventures such as heli-hiking and ice sheet landings to expert-led onboard programming and opportunities for cultural immersion.