Azamara Cruises strengthens leadership team with new executive appointments

Azamara Cruises strengthens leadership team with new executive appointments
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Azamara Cruises, the small-ship cruise line and leader in destination immersion experiences and extended destination days, announced appointments to the executive team leading the company in its next phase of growth.

    (Feature image: pictured from left) Meg Lee has been appointed global chief marketing officer, Paulette Haedo is the new chief information officer, Minas Miliaras has been announced as chief maritime officer and Nico Corbijn assumes a new role as chief administrative officer.

    “I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that these three outstanding individuals are joining the Azamara team,” Azamara Cruises CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler said.

    “Meg, Paulette, and Minas are recognised leaders in their respective areas of expertise. They each bring a wealth of cruise industry knowledge and experience to Azamara. They will each play a critical role in helping us take our industry-leading innovation and growth strategies to the next level.”

    Lee to oversee marketing and communications

    Lee will oversee marketing and communications for Azamara globally including product, trade, brand, engagement & loyalty, media, public relations and internal communications. Lee, formerly CMO at Norwegian Cruise Line and most recently North America consumer marketing for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

    Haedo to lead IT

    Paulette Haedo will lead IT and the program management office. With an extensive knowledge of the Seaware cruise reservation system rooted in her tenures with American Classic Voyages, Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, Haedo specialises in creating scalable, customer-focused products and enhancing customer experience. In her most recent role, Haedo served as VP of experience product delivery transformation at Virgin Voyages. Prior to this, she held key roles in Information Technology, Transformation, and Digital functions at Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and American Classic Voyages.

    Miliaras on security as chief maritime officer 

    Minas Miliaras, a naval architect with an MBA in marine engineering, will oversee technical, nautical, safety, environmental, and security operations as chief maritime officer for Azamara. Miliaras has previously served in various similar high-level roles including senior vice president marine technical operations for Carnival Maritime and associate vice president of marine operations at Royal Caribbean.

    Corbijn from marine operations to chief administrative officer

    Nico Corbijn has been named chief administrative officer after a successful and impactful three years overseeing marine operations at Azamara. He will now lead global human resources, legal services, and Azamara’s flagship land product development team. Corbijn brings a background in organisational management and multiple certifications in human resources in addition to deep expertise in crew management to his new role.

    “Nico’s combination of knowledge, background, and leadership skills is truly rare. His ability to lead across land and shore operations is remarkable,” Ritzenthaler said.

    PROFILE: Azamara Cruises new CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler talks ships and sharks

     

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