Crystal Cruises makes raft of appointments ahead of relaunch

Crystal Cruises has confirmed several appointments at senior executive level within the company ahead of the brand’s relaunch under the new ownership of A&K Travel Group.

Jacqueline Barney, who has previously worked for Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and National Geographic Expeditions, joins the team as senior vice-president of global marketing.

In her most recent role with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Barney (pictured) oversaw the global marketing strategy and contributed to the launch of the company’s first superyacht, Evrima.

She will be responsible for all global marketing efforts at Crystal Cruises.

Roberto Fazi has been named senior vice-president of marine operations and will be based in Monaco, while Bernie Leypold returns to Crystal Cruises as senior vice-president of hotel operations.

Leypold’s previous Crystal career began in the 1990s when he held positions on Crystal Harmony and then joined the launch team on Crystal Serenity.

Spyros Almpertis has been named senior director of port operations and will be based in Monaco.

He will be responsible for port operations, itinerary planning and fuel management.

Julio Solvas has also joined the line as finance director and will also based in Monaco.

His expertise is in “finance, accounting, and taxation, leading departments for global organisations”, the line said.

President Jack Anderson said: “As we prepare to relaunch our two Crystal ships, we have been working in parallel with our parent company A&K Travel Group to build a strong and talented senior leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome these industry veterans to the Crystal family to bring a fresh approach to the brand.”

The line’s ships are set to resume operations in 2023.

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