Holland America Line named Michael J. Smith SVP, marine hotel operations, replacing Johan Groothuizen who is retiring at the end of 2013 after 42 years with the company.
In this role, Smith is responsible for the overall marine hotel operations, including on-board services such as culinary operations, all hotel and entertainment services for both Holland America Line, as well as Seabourn. He will report to Dan Grausz, EVP, fleet operations.
Prior to joining Holland America Line, Smith was VP of hotel operations at Club Quarters Hotels in New York for more than 15 years. He also spent 16 years in the cruise industry serving in several executive positions both ashore and on board for Cunard Line, as well as Silversea Cruises.
During 2013 Groothuizen will serve as VP, special projects, with a primary focus on the recently announced Holland America Line ship to be completed in 2015. In this role, he will work with the shipyard and architects to ensure the new Pinnacle Class ship incorporates both current brand features and future innovations.
In other marine hotel moves, John Peijs is promoted to director, marine hotel operations and Jafar Al Shibibi is promoted to director, marine hotel procurement. Peijs will continue his current responsibilities with on-board services. Al Shibibi will continue to make improvements to the line’s purchasing activities.
For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.