Former Euro Disney group president Tom Wolber has been appointed president and chief executive of Crystal Cruises following the departure of Edie Rodriguez.
Wolber served in various executive roles for Walt Disney Company for 28 years, 10 of which were with Disney Cruise Line where he served as senior vice president of operations.
Rodriguez meanwhile joined Crystal as in October 2013 and was promoted to president and chief executive following the acquisition of the company by Genting Hong Kong in May 2015.
She said she will announce her “new endeavour” shortly.
Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises, said: “Tom’s proven leadership skills will be invaluable to Crystal as the line takes delivery of four river ships in 2017 and 2018 as well as the first of the Endeavor Class expedition yachts in 2019.
“His leadership will be key to the finalization of specifications and design for the new Exclusive Class oceangoing vessels. Tom has our full confidence and we look forward to working closely with him to ensuring Crystal remains unmatched in the luxury travel segment.”
Wolber was involved in transforming Disney Cruise Line from a Port Canaveral based vacation provider to a global cruise line and assisted with the successful design and launch of new builds including Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
He said: “Crystal has developed a venerable reputation across the travel industry and my first responsibility will be continuing to deliver the world-class service and itineraries Crystal is renowned for.”
Tan Sri Lim continued: “Thanks to Edie Rodriquez’s leadership, Crystal has successfully launched three new brands: Crystal Yachts, Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Air. We thank Edie for her service to the company, appreciate all of her hard work, and wish her the very best in future endeavors.”
Rodriguez added: “It’s been an extraordinary experience leading Crystal to global prominence, and I am very proud of my accomplishments.
“I can’t thank chairman Tan Sri Lim enough for the confidence and investment to assure Crystal’s future with a bold expansion strategy which I’ve firmly put in place.
“I’m happy to turn over the reins, knowing Crystal is well served by the incredibly talented and hard-working people throughout the organisation – on sea, river, air and land. I look forward to announcing my new endeavor shortly.”