Crystal names Karl Muhlberger as new COO
Cruise veteran Karl Muhlberger has been appointed chief operating officer of Crystal.
Based in the company’s Miami HQ, he will report directly to president and CEO, Tom Wolber.
In his new role, Muhlberger will oversee facets of Crystal’s expanding fleet, including hotel services, entertainment, food and beverage operations, concessions, technical services, reservations and guest relations for the lines’ existing experiences and those in development.
"I am delighted to welcome Karl to the Crystal family at a particularly exciting time for our company, as his esteemed career in luxury travel and expertise in launching new ships and programmes for global travellers will be a great asset to our teams ashore and on board as we navigate new waters," Wolber said. "His beginnings in the culinary industry helped create a spirit of welcoming hospitality, which is integral to our guests’ experience, while his experience spearheading company and fleet expansions brings important perspective to Crystal’s position in the market."
Austrian Muhlberger began his career at the age of 15 as a culinary apprentice in Salzburg and went on to become the first and youngest Austrian chef to receive a Michelin Star and 17 points from the famed Gault & Millau at age 23.
He also held prominent chef positions at other Michelin and Gault & Millau-rated restaurants, including the 5-Star Relais & Château Hotel in Belgium and Austria.
He went on to lead the culinary departments for Cunard and Seabourn and held executive chef positions aboard Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.
He was also Norwegian Cruise Line’s first as vice president of food and beverage operations, then became vice president of hotel operations for the company’s 17 vessels.
With NCL, he was instrumental in the line’s global expansion into new markets and developing guest experiences; played integral roles with all of the company’s new builds in the US and Chinese markets, as well as the development of NCL’s two private islands.
"Crystal represents the pinnacle of luxury in the cruise industry and to join a company so dedicated to this exceptional standard is an honour," Muhlberger said. "I am happy to lead these teams as we move into the next chapter for Crystal and welcome the challenge of finding ways to enhance what is already the very best in our business."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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