Patrick Clark has merged his passion for travel with his career choices for nearly 30 years, working for some of the industry's top companies. As managing director for award-winning Avalon Waterways, a position he has held since 2006, Clark oversees everything from operations to sales, marketing and advertising.

Under Clark's leadership, Avalon Waterways – the cruise line under the Globus family of brands umbrella – has become the industry's fastest growing cruise company with river and small ship cruises in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos.

Prior to joining Avalon Waterways, Clark held a variety of management positions in the USA and Australia with Qantas Airlines. He gained tour operator experience as president of Qantas Vacations and also served as vice president of sales with UNIWORLD.

Active in travel industry organizations, Clark has held positions as chairman and director of the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) and chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) marketing authority.

By setting goals and immersing himself in intense training to succeed, Clark has competed in more than 50 ultra running events, including three that were a distance of 100 miles. Clark brings the same endurance and focus that running requires to his professional life, which he credits as an important factor to his lifelong success.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Economics, Clark currently lives in Los Angeles. He is most proud of his three sons.