She is currently the Vice President and Managing Director for Europe and Asia (EMEA).
After a distinguished career in the cruise industry spanning nearly two decades, Jo Rzymowska will step down from her role as Vice President and Managing Director for EMEA at Celebrity Cruises in June 2023. A highly respected leader, Rzymowska began her career in the cruise industry in 2005 as Director of Sales and Marketing for the UK and Ireland at Royal Caribbean Group. She joined the luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises in 2015 as Vice President and Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, and subsequently rose to oversee the entire EMEA region in 2019.
Following her departure from the company, Rzymowska plans to enjoy some time off before continuing her passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts, particularly advocating for both women and the LGBT+ community, and lending her expertise to other causes. During her career at Royal Caribbean Group, she spearheaded the launch of numerous ships, from the Legend of the Seas, the first UK-based Royal Caribbean ship, to the recent debut of the stunning Celebrity Beyond in Southampton last April. During her tenure, Celebrity's business in the region nearly doubled, and she oversaw the cruise line's rise into the luxury market, as evidenced by the numerous awards received from the cruise industry. A strong advocate for the cruise industry, Rzymowska has served on the Board of CLIA UK & Ireland for many years, including as Chair of the Board from 2011 to 2013. Among the many awards she received throughout her career, she was recognized for her contributions to the travel industry with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2017 Travel Weekly Globe Awards; and, more recently, she was named one of the world’s top LGBT+ executive role models by Yahoo! Finance.
Sharing the news, Rzymowska said: “I have loved every minute of my 18 years with Royal Caribbean Group. I have been honored to lead an incredible team whose passion and commitment to the business is unwavering. I know this team will continue to grow stronger as Celebrity Cruises expands in the region. I remain 100% committed to the business while working on transition plans with the team. It is simply the right time for me to hand over the reins.”
“I am particularly grateful to our President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, for her unwavering support throughout my long and fulfilling career here, along with our Group CEO, Jason Liberty, and the strong collaboration of the entire executive leadership team. ”
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo commented: “I’ve been fortunate to know Jo for many years and it’s been incredibly rewarding to work hand in hand with her to build the Celebrity brand together in this region. She is irreplaceable in so many ways and I will miss her terribly when the time comes. Now, I look forward to continuing to work with her during this transition period. With the strong team and strategic base across the UK and EMEA, I know Celebrity Cruises has an amazing future and will continue to reach new heights.”
“Jo will be missed for her experience and knowledge, and also for her passionate stewardship of our company’s values,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “She holds a special place in the hearts of many of our international business partners and colleagues. It is with deep gratitude that I thank her for her dedication to Royal Caribbean Group throughout all these years.”.
