It’s a new year in the cruise industry, and many executives are marking the occasion with a jump to a new role.
This week SkySea, a cruise line focused on the emerging Chinese cruise market, appointed Ken Muskat as its new CEO.
Previously Travel Agent had reported Muskat’s plans to leave MSC Cruises at the end of 2016 “to pursue a new opportunity.” Muskat had been MSC’s executive vice president of sales, public relations and guest services, based in the line's Fort Lauderdale office. He is also the former chairman of CLIA’s trade relations committee. At SkySea Muskat will work to grow the 20-month-old cruise line in the Chinese market.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) made two executive changes of its own this week. The organization promoted Andy Harmer, former vice president, operations & director, UK & Ireland, to senior vice president, membership, and Bo Larsen, former vice president, strategic partnerships, to senior vice president, strategic partnerships.
Harmer, who joined CLIA in 2006, will be responsible for working with CLIA leaders around the world to oversee all travel agent and professional development programs. Larsen, who joined CLIA in 2014 will manage the strategic direction of CLIA’s Executive Partner program on a global scale.
Both will serve as key members of the leadership team under Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA.
Finally, in port news, Brandy D. Christian has begun service as the new president and CEO for the Port of New Orleans. Christian is the first woman president and CEO in Port NOLA’s 120-year history and one of the few women port directors in the country. She succeeds Gary LaGrange, who served as president and chief executive officer for the past 15 years.
Prior to her service as COO with the Port of New Orleans, Christian held leadership positions with the Port of San Diego for 14 years, culminating in her role as vice president, strategy and business development. During her tenure with California’s fourth-largest cargo port, Christian was the driving force behind securing major accounts for the cruise and cargo business lines at the Port. She was also instrumental in significantly improving operational processes and reducing costs for the public agency.
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