“Nick will be guiding our team and work with our partners and regulatory bodies to deliver VIKAND’s testing solution: a critical requirement in the resumption of global cruising,” says Peter Hult, VIKAND CEO.

“VIKAND answers the need for innovation with expediency. We understand the urgency of the cruise industry to have safe, accurate, non-invasive, easy-to-operate systems that deploy high throughput technology to help return to sailing. In response, VIKAND brings a complete screening solution that cruise lines, ports and terminal operators can easily deploy with minimal investment,” says Kuchova.

“Nick brings VIKAND a deep understanding of the regulatory environment in the European Union, with intricate knowledge on engaging within and across jurisdictions. His direct involvement—spanning some 20 years as a senior foreign member of leading global cruise lines—benefits the cruise and maritime industries as well as the VIKAND team,” comments Hult.

Nicholas Kuchova serves on the advisory board for VIKAND. He also serves on the advisory board for the National Association of District Export Councils, is Vice Chair of the City of Fort Lauderdale Economic Development Advisory Board and serves on a Jaguar Land Rover Advisory Board.

Retired from the U.S. Commercial Service as a member of the Senior Foreign Service in August 2017, Nick’s last assignment was as Regional Senior Commercial Officer for the Nordics, UK and Ireland at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Prior to Sweden, Nick served in the same capacity at Embassy Helsinki, Finland. Nick and fellow Commercial Service Europe senior leaders initiated the regional alignment of commercial diplomacy focused on Europe that serves U.S. businesses in a 21st century environment.

Nick comments, “I am eagerly joining as a Senior Advisor and honored to be a part of the important initiative that is VIKAND Solutions. I have had the pleasure of working with the VIKAND in my participation on its Advisory Board over the past few years and have seen firsthand the tremendous value that the company offers to the industry. To be part of this crucial, emerging healthcare solution and to contribute to its critical ingenuity is exciting and gratifying.”

ABOUT VIKAND

VIKAND provides global medical and public health service solutions to the entire maritime industry, including cruise, yacht, superyacht, commercial shipping, fishing, and energy sectors. VIKAND works with more than 200 cruise ship clients—spread over 23 cruise lines—supporting 120,000 crew with medical and mental wellness needs supported by experienced onboard and onshore medical staffs. VIKAND’s proven medical and public health expertise and experience is demonstrated through a proactive and evidence-based healthcare approach, the VIKAND Total Healthcare Solution and is coordinated with global regulatory agencies and industry associations. Solutions encompass 24/7 medical management, public health, and COVID-19 consulting, biomedical equipment maintenance and products, and leading air and surface decontamination solutions. VIKAND recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and was awarded the Seatrade Cruise Awards Supplier of the Year 2020 in October. VIKAND has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg and soon Monaco in addition to having staff located throughout the world.