Explora Journeys is on the hunt for a new CEO after it announced today that Michael Ungerer will wrap up his near five-year tenure.
Ungerer played a key role in establishing the new luxury lifestyle brand, Explora Journeys, and successfully launching the first ship, EXPLORA I.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Michael as we have brought to life this incredible new brand and built everything from the bottom up,” executive chairman (cruise division), MSC Group, Pierfrancesco Vago, said.
“I would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contribution, and we wish him well for the future.”
Ungerer will remain as advisor for the brand through to the end of August 2024 and Pierfrancesco Vago will assume his responsibilities serving as interim CEO for the time being.
“Creating a new luxury hospitality brand from scratch in today’s world has been a true, once in a lifetime opportunity, and an incredible journey,” Ungerer said.
“It has been a real privilege working with the visionary Pierfrancesco Vago and the entire Aponte family, which I am forever grateful for.
“Their firm commitment and their long-term generational view as only a family owned and operated company can, [sic] made it all possible.”
Explore said that Ungerer was leaving the company for “personal reasons”.
