The new luxury brand from the MSC Group's cruise division today announced details of 5 new members of its management team led by CEO Michael Ungerer.
Michael Ungerer commented, “The leaders of the new brand have over 100 years of combined experience and expertise in the luxury, hospitality, and cruise sectors. Together, they will create a distinctive and groundbreaking luxury travel and lifestyle experience, exceeding the expectations of discerning cruisers seeking something different, as well as new cruisers and the next generation of luxury travelers curious to begin their journey.”
The people and positions are:
Sarah Doyle, marketing director
Her most recent position was as Vice President of Marketing for Bacardi Limited Europe. Prior to that, Sarah spent six years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, initially responsible for brand partnerships across the portfolio of luxury brands, then as Global Brand Director for W Hotels Worldwide, where she opened six properties. Before her career in the hotel industry, Sarah oversaw the American Express Platinum and Centurion programs at Momentum Worldwide for 10 years.
Chris Austin, sales director
Chris served as senior vice president of global marketing and sales for four years at Seabourn Cruise Line, where in 2019 he received the “Cruise Ambassador of the Year” award from the global luxury travel agency network, Virtuoso. Previously, he worked for nearly 20 years as a sales leader for the luxury brand portfolio at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Thatcher Brown, business and strategic advisor
Thatcher most recently served as president of Dream Cruises and as managing director of Crystal Cruises Asia at Genting for four years. After beginning his career at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, where he spent six years in roles including executive director of marketing and business development, Thatcher worked at the luxury hotel chain Jumeirah Group for nearly five years as vice president of marketing and brand strategy.
John Stoll – Destination Experience Consultant
John has worked for 17 years as Vice President of Shore Programs at Crystal Cruises and was previously, for five years, Director of Shore Programs at Silversea Cruises where he created award-winning shore excursions.
Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Ground Experience
Sacha has been the managing director of Cruise Gate Hamburg for almost six years and has overseen the completion of two new cruise terminals, managing a 73% increase in passenger numbers. Previously, she was the business development manager for five years at the Port of Marseille.
Mr. Ungerer added: “As we build momentum towards unveiling our vision, our leadership team will continue to grow, with more appointments of highly talented and experienced individuals, products, and culinary roles.
“We are preparing to share our vision for luxury ocean travel with our business partners when we unveil our fleet, showcase the innovative designs of our luxury ships, and demonstrate what I believe will be a best-in-class experience for existing and future passengers.”.
“Since sustainability is a crucial part of our DNA, we will also show how our new luxury ships are equipped with the latest and most advanced environmental and maritime technologies available.”.
The first ship from 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 will feature 461 of the largest suites at sea, all with balconies or terraces facing the sea.
