The MSC Group has announced that Michael Ungerer, a highly experienced industry professional, has joined its cruise business as CEO of MSC's new luxury brand. Ungerer brings over 30 years of senior management experience in the cruise and luxury hospitality sectors to MSC. He will be based at the company's headquarters in Geneva and will report directly to Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise and Passenger division.
Mr. Vago emphasized: “I am particularly delighted to make this announcement as it marks a key step in shaping the organizational structure upon which our new luxury brand will be built. For us, it is the natural evolution of the work carried out through our MSC Cruises brand since its inception, including the development of MSC Yacht Club, the highly successful premium option offering a 'yacht within a ship' concept.”.
The CEO also emphasized that “the core of our new luxury brand will be, above all, respect for the environment, with the introduction of cutting-edge technology, as well as innovation in both hardware and experience – two fundamental MSC values that extend to all our lines of business. To this end, Michael, whom I am pleased to welcome to the MSC family, brings valuable and extensive specialized experience in the cruise and luxury industries, as well as personal and professional values that are aligned with our own.”.
Michael Ungerer stated that he is “immensely proud and completely excited about the opportunity presented by this unique and extraordinary project. This crowns my professional career and perfectly complements my experience in the cruise industry and luxury hospitality. Furthermore, I am extremely proud to work closely with a visionary leader like Pierfrancesco Vago and an iconic family in the shipping sector that has been able to build a sustainable, long-term business based on a people-centric culture with values that I deeply share.”.
Earlier this year, MSC confirmed an order with the Fincantieri shipyard for four luxury cruise ships worth over €2 billion. The vessels will have a gross tonnage of approximately 64,000 GT and will feature the latest and most advanced environmental and maritime technology. These yachts, which will offer the luxury segment a wide range of new experiences and activities for passengers, as well as spacious public areas, will also incorporate highly innovative design.
The first of the four ships will be delivered in the spring of 2023. The remaining three will enter service on an annual basis over the following three years until 2026.
Michael Ungerer, 53, is of Austrian origin and has an Executive MBA from INSEAD Business School, where he also graduated from the Independent Director Programme (IDP).
