Explora Journeys has appointed Achille Staiano Chief Commercial Officer, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Mr. Staiano joins the MSC Group's luxury travel brand from sister company MSC Cruises, where he was Senior Vice President of Global Sales, also based in Geneva. He will report to Explora Journeys CEO Michael Ungerer.
Achille has worked for the MSC Group for almost 30 years, and this appointment demonstrates the Group's commitment to developing and investing in talent within the organization. Achille joined MSC in 1994 and spent his first 11 years in MSC's container business in Naples, Italy, and New York, where he held various senior commercial roles.
He moved to MSC Cruises in 2004 and helped shape the line's ambitious global sales strategy to become the world's third-largest cruise brand, overseeing the fleet's near doubling in size in just six years to 22 ships in service. In his new role at Explora Journeys, Achille will play a key part in the brand's next phase of growth, having already assisted with the successful launch of EXPLORA I in July of this year.
Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, said: “Achille’s deep understanding of sales, global distribution channels, and revenue management in the maritime sector are tremendous assets as we continue to establish our new brand in the luxury travel industry. He will play a key role in the future growth of our business as we add more ships to our fleet and expand our capacity. This appointment demonstrates the development opportunities available to our people within the MSC Group, and I am delighted that Achille will bring his extensive experience to our management team.”
Achille Staiano, Commercial Director of Explora Journeys, commented: “I have been part of the MSC family since I was 19 and I am proud of the steady growth I have experienced. My new role at Explora Journeys is an exciting challenge and I look forward to contributing to the brand’s continued global growth and success in the luxury travel sector.”
Norbert Stiekema, who has worked as CCO at Explora Journeys since March, will continue to work for the MSC Group's Cruise Division in a senior commercial role.
EXPLORA I is currently sailing in northern Europe. EXPLORA II will enter service in the summer of 2024, and the liquefied natural gas-powered vessels EXPLORA III and EXPLORA IV will join the fleet in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
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