MSC announces senior management for new luxury brand
The new luxury brand of MSC Group’s Cruises Division announced appointments of five senior members of its management team led by CEO Michael Ungerer.
"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," Ungerer said.
The luxury brand is set to start operating in 2023. The leadership appointments are Chris Austin, as Chief Sales Officer, who was most recently SVP Global Sales and Marketing for four years at Seabourn. He previously worked for nearly 20 years leading sales for luxury brands at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Sarah Doyle is appointed Chief Marketing Officer and was most recently Vice President of Marketing at Bacardi Limited Europe. She also held senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Thatcher Brown joins as Commercial and Strategic Advisor after serving as President of Dream Cruises and Managing Director of Crystal Cruises Asia for four years.
MSC also named Sacha Rougier as Head of Itinerary Planning and Shore Experience and John Stoll – Destination Experience Advisor.
"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," Ungerer added.
"We’re getting ready to share our vision of luxury ocean travel with our trade partners.
The first vessel for the luxury brand will be delivered in 2023 from the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, with subsequent deliveries in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The first luxury ship will have a gross tonnage of 63,900 GT and feature 461 suites, all with ocean front balconies or terraces.
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