The boss of Celebrity Cruises has quit unexpectedly and leaves at the end of July to take up an “exciting new opportunity”.
The premium brand’s president and chief executive Dan Hanrahan is going after 13 years with parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises brand, including seven at Celebrity.
The company did not say where he is moving to.
RCCL chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “Dan has made countless contributions to the company, such as leading the creation of the award-winning ‘Get Out There’ campaign for Royal Caribbean International, to transforming the Celebrity brand with the stunning Solstice Class fleet.
“I wish him nothing but the best as he moves on to the next phase of what I’m certain will continue to be a very successful career.
“Fortunately, Dan is leaving a very strong organisation, and we are lucky to have great bench strength to continue our vision.
“While I am sorry to see Dan leave our family, with the strong base of the Celebrity organisation and the continued support of the travel agent community, I know Celebrity’s future is in good hands.”
Hanrahan said: “While leaving Celebrity isn’t easy for me, I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish the last seven years.
“The delivery of Celebrity Solstice in 2008 changed what was a great brand into the finest premium cruise line in the industry. In four years, we took delivery of five new ships, ‘Solsticized’ the Millennium class, repositioned the brand around ‘Modern Luxury’, achieved record high guest ratings and won numerous awards as the best sales organisation. Not to mention, we saw our profitability improve dramatically.
“To say I’m leaving Celebrity in good hands is an understatement.”