Former MSC Cruises managing director Lisa Teiotu has joined cruise holiday specialist advisor Imagine Cruising Australia as Managing Director – Australasia after a brief stint at Starts at 60.
Established in 2011, the Milton, Queensland-based Imagine Travel agency offers cruise, flights, holidays and holiday packages, cruising, hotels, tours and events. Its Australasian footprint covers Brisbane, Perth and Auckland.
“I’m honoured to be appointed managing director of Imagine Cruising Australasia,” said Teiotu, a Travel Weekly 2024 Women in Travel Awards finalist.
“I’m excited to return to the cruise industry and to lead the ANZ business at such an exciting time. Imagine Cruising has built an outstanding reputation for innovation, exceptional customer experiences, and unique travel offerings, and I’m thrilled to be joining such an incredible team.
“I look forward to working alongside our talented people and valued partners to continue growing the business and delivering unforgettable holidays for our customers across Australia and New Zealand.”
Teiotu will succeed Alex Sirman, current managing director for Australasia, who will leave Australia during August to take on a new role within the Imagine group.
“I know I am leaving Imagine Cruising in great hands with Lisa as we enter the next stage of our journey. I leave Australia with an incredible team, a great deal of pride and huge appreciation for everything we have achieved together over the past seven years,” Sirman said.
He added that the appointment reflects the strength of the local team and the opportunities ahead for Imagine Cruising across Australia and New Zealand.
Teiotu’s appointment comes as Imagine Cruising continues to build on its reputation for creating exceptional cruise holidays, combining hand-picked itineraries with immersive touring, luxury rail journeys, hotel stays and exclusive experiences.
Teiotu joined MSC Cruises in November 2019 as sales director, responsible for driving the commercial development of the company’s ANZ business. She was appointed managing director for its Australasia business in June 2023 but left the cruise line in late 2024.
Before joining MSC Cruises, she was at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for three years, in the role of head of business development for ANZ before departing for MSC.
