Richard Vogel, a renowned professional in the cruise industry, has been appointed Chairman & CEO of the Pullmantur Group (Pullmantur Cruises and Croisières de France). Vogel, who during his nine years at the helm of TUI Cruises helped it achieve a leading position in the European cruise industry, is also a veteran of the AIDA cruise line.
“Richard Vogel brings an enthusiastic strategic vision necessary to continue the Pullmantur Group’s ongoing growth and pursuit of excellence,” said Richard D. Fain, President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD. “His previous success at TUI Cruises gives us even greater confidence in the future of Pullmantur Cruises and Croisières de France.”.
For his part, Vogel noted: “I am impressed by the profound knowledge that the Pullmantur Cruises and Croisières de Francia team has of Spanish and French culture, and by their commitment to serving our passengers. With this passion for providing guests with exceptional vacations, together we can achieve great things and elevate our market position.”.
Since leaving TUI Cruises in 2014, Vogel has worked as a consultant for several travel and tourism organizations and is a non-executive director of the Saga Cruises Committee. Vogel succeeds Jorge Vilches, who, following Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd's recent announcement of the sale of 51% of the Pullmantur Group's shares to Springwater Capital, has decided to leave the Group.
“We greatly value Jorge’s contribution during his tenure as head of Pullmantur Cruises and Croisières de France,” Fain noted. “He has been key to these companies sailing through an extremely difficult period economically in Europe and Latin America without ever losing sight of the importance of passenger satisfaction.”.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Pullmantur Group. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I leave behind a much stronger company and a leader in our markets,” Vilches stated.
