Maxine Gundermann exits Seabourn, joins PortsToronto as dir. of business development

One of Canada’s most recognized cruise professionals is sailing in a new direction.

Maxine Gundermann, who has been a senior manager of national and strategic accounts at Seabourn since 2022, is leaving her role for a position at PortsToronto, PAX has learned.

Starting January 6, 2025, Gundermann will be director of business development for the authority that manages the Port of Toronto, including the city’s airport, marina, and waterfront properties.

“The idea of bringing my skills and experience home to support such an integral part of Toronto was very exciting to me,” Gundermann told PAX. “After meeting with their President and CEO and learning about their purpose and vision, their commitment to community, innovation, and driving local to international prosperity, I recognized this as something that I want to be a part of, and something that I am passionate and proud of.”

Gundermann is no stranger to jobs that relate to life on the water. Prior to Seabourn, she was a business development and market sales manager at Celebrity Cruises Canada for nine years.

At PortsToronto, Gundermann will oversee and lead all commercial and business development activities and each of the business units. 

She will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that diversify revenue opportunities, securing new investments, as well as managing and growing existing commercial relationships.

She’ll also oversee a portfolio of sponsorship and advertising efforts at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, outer harbour marina, and target opportunities for Toronto’s cruise ship terminal, including cruise ship routes and port tonnage growth strategies.

Given her extensive cruise industry background, Gundermann is likely to cross some familiar themes and discussions.  

“Toronto has an emerging cruise market, with the Port of Toronto having 35 port calls in 2024,” she said. “They recognized that my expertise in cruise aligns with one of their important business units, and a major area of growth and opportunity. PortsToronto has a vision of ‘transportation reimagined’ and across all of their business units, the foundation is relationship building and partnerships.”

As she charts a new course, Gundermann shared a message of “sheer gratitude” with her long-time partners and colleagues.

“I have grown up in the travel industry, from hotels to cruise over my entire career. The travel agents and industry colleagues alike have played a monumental role in my growth, and I will forever be changed for the better due to all of their impact,” she said. “And in regards to this new chapter, I believe strongly that there will be a lot of overlap that I’m hoping I can connect the past and the future for mutual success and opportunities”

“I remain here in Toronto and look forward to our paths crossing and continuing to be connected.”

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