Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) has announced that Celebrity Cruises’ head, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo will switch to become RCL’s Vice Chair, External Affairs on 1st May.
In her new role, Lutoff-Perlo (pictured) will continue reporting to Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, Jason Liberty. Laura Hodges Bethge, currently Executive Vice President, shared services operations, will become the next brand president of Celebrity Cruises, RCL said.
“Lisa has been instrumental in transforming the Celebrity Cruises brand to what it is today,” Liberty said.
“From helping us introduce the revolutionary ’Edge’ series of ships to advancing the role of women in maritime careers. Lisa has had an incredible career during her time leading Celebrity Cruises, and multiple parts of our Royal Caribbean International brand. I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa for almost 18 years, and I know her expertise will be invaluable as she transitions to serve as my Vice Chair, External Affairs.”
“It has always been difficult for me to imagine leaving the incredible Celebrity brand, but the time is right for me to start an exciting new chapter and turn the helm over to a new leader,” Lutoff-Perlo, added.
“It has been my great honour to lead this brand and work alongside the phenomenal Celebrity shoreside team and crew.
“Together, our accomplishments have been extraordinary. I’m excited to now work closely with Jason on broader initiatives as we sail towards an even brighter future,” she said.
Lutoff-Perlo’s career with Royal Caribbean Group began in 1985 with her first role as a district sales manager. During her career, she led Celebrity Cruises to record growth, revenue, and profit, and she championed the brand’s evolution into the cruise line it is today.
Under her leadership, Celebrity Cruises welcomed four new award-winning ships, and led theCelebrity Revolution, one of the largest fleet revitalisation projects in the industry.
“I would also like to congratulate Laura for her appointment as the next brand President of Celebrity Cruises,” Liberty added. “With her operational experience, business acumen and deep understanding of our company and the cruise industry, I know Laura is the right person to lead Celebrity Cruises to its next phases of growth.”
She has been with the company more than 23 years and has held senior positions in many different areas, including product development, hotel and marine operations, sales, marketing, product innovation, market development and investor relations.
“Now 15 ships strong, this is an exciting time for Celebrity Cruises,” said Hodges Bethge.
“This year alone, we’ll be welcoming ’Celebrity Ascent’, and reaching key construction milestones in the yet-to-be-named fifth ship in the revolutionary ’Edge’ series. I look forward to building on the incredible achievements of Lisa and this world class team, as we continue to break boundaries and chart new courses in the industry.”
