MSC Group’s Cruises Division has appointed five senior managers for its new luxury brand, which is headed by CEO, Michael Ungerer.
Ungerer (pictured) explained: “The leaders of the new brand bring more than 100 years of combined knowledge and expertise in the luxury, hospitality and cruise sectors. Together they will create a luxury and lifestyle travel experience as distinct as it is trailblazing, exceeding the expectations of both discerning cruisers seeking something different, those new to cruising and nextgenlux travellers curious to start.”
The management team includes –
Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer.
Austin was most recently Senior Vice President Global Sales and Marketing at Seabourn Cruise Line. He previously worked for almost 20 years heading up sales for the luxury brand portfolio at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Sarah Doyle, Chief Marketing Officer.
Doyle was most recently Vice President Marketing at Bacardi Limited Europe, and previously spent six years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, initially responsible for brand partnerships, then as Global Brand Director for W Hotels Worldwide where she opened six global properties.
Thatcher Brown, Commercial and Strategic Advisor.
Brown was most recently President of Genting’s Dream Cruises and Managing Director of Crystal Cruises Asia. After starting his career at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, which included the role of Executive Director Brand Marketing and Business Development, he worked at the Jumeirah Group luxury hotel chain.
Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Shore Experience.
Rougier was Managing Director of Cruise Gate Hamburg and managed the completion of two new cruise terminals, overseeing a 73% increase in passenger numbers. Previously, she was Business Development Manager at the Port of Marseille.
John Stoll – Destination Experience Advisor.
Stoll worked as Vice President Land Programmes at Crystal Cruises and was previously Director Land Programmes at Silversea Cruises.
Ungerer added: “As momentum builds towards the reveal of our vision, our top team will continue to grow, with further highly talented and experienced appointments in people, product and culinary roles.
“We’re getting ready to share our vision of luxury ocean travel with our trade partners when we will present our fleet, showcase our luxury vessels’ innovative designs and demonstrate what I believe will be a best-in-class guest experience for existing and future clients.
“With sustainability forming a crucial part of our DNA, we’ll also show that our new luxury ships are equipped with the latest and most advanced environmental and maritime technologies available,” he said.
The luxury brand’s first vessel will be delivered in 2023 from Fincantieri, with subsequent deliveries planned for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Its first ship will have a gross tonnage of 63,900 and feature 461 of the largest suites at sea, all with ocean front balconies or terraces, MSC said.
