Windstar Cruises has announced two new appointments to its management team. Betsy O'Rourke joins Windstar as its new Chief Commercial Officer, and Dianna Rom will become Vice President of Sales.
O'Rourke has been the Commercial Director of Xanterra Travel Collection, Windstar's parent company, for 10 years and assumed oversight of Windstar's commercial functions in 2020. O'Rourke's move from Xanterra to Windstar allows her to focus entirely on Windstar and the brand's growth in the market. The company's marketing, sales, and reservations teams report to O'Rourke, who is responsible for the airline's global marketing strategy.
Prior to Xanterra, O'Rourke was senior vice president of marketing at Royal Caribbean International. Throughout her career, she has also led marketing teams at Wyndham Worldwide and the Travel Industry Association.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Betsy fully focused on Windstar going forward,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “She stepped up and led us through the challenges presented by the pandemic, and her expertise has us well-positioned for success in the luxury cruise market.”.
Dianna Rom's promotion to vice president of sales comes shortly after her promotion to senior director of sales for Windstar. In her new role, Rom oversees the Windstar brand's domestic and international sales team and is responsible for developing sales strategies and targets for the cruise line. All sales functions, including groups and charters, report to Rom.
Rom has been with Windstar for seven years, holding various sales roles. Prior to joining Windstar, Rom was the regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges, formerly part of Xanterra Travel Collection (Windstar's parent company), where she led the sales and marketing team for eight hotels.
“Dianna’s sales acumen and knowledge of the travel and cruise landscape are invaluable to all of us at Windstar,” said Prelog. “She’s approachable and friendly. She has great connections within the industry, and she’s an incredible asset to us as we work together to strengthen the brand and reach new Windstar cruisers.”
