MSC Cruises executive director Giles Hawke is leaving the cruise line.
Hawke, who joined the business almost two-and-a-half years ago, is due to leave in April.
He was originally appointed as managing director UK and Ireland back in November 2013, but was quickly promoted and within three months became executive director, also taking on responsibility for the South African and Australian markets.
He will be replaced by Antonio Paradiso, currently MSC’s executive director for emerging markets. Paradiso will relocate from the line’s Geneva base and will take up his new role on March 1.
Speaking about his departure, Hawke told Travel Weekly he was excited to do something “big and new”.
He said: “I have had a great couple of years at MSC Cruises. It’s time to move and find something new. Its great timing for Antonio as the UK business is poised for great growth.
“I’m looking forward to the next stage of my career and doing something big and new.”
Chief executive Gianni Onorato added: “Antonio will be a strong successor to Giles as we look to grow further our business in the UK and Ireland. To best prepare for this, over the next two months Giles and Antonio will be working closely together on a full handover and familiarisation of the MSC Cruises business, its partners and other key stakeholders across both markets.
“I wish to thank Giles for his contribution to the business during his time with MSC Cruises. At the same time, this is an exciting time for our UK and Ireland business and a great opportunity for Antonio to lead the next phase of our growth in both markets.”
It isn’t currently known where Hawke is moving on to.
Paradiso will remain in change of emerging markets in the interim. Achille Staiano, currently head of commercial services, will assume market responsibility for Australia, Scandinavia and South Africa, three markets formerly part of Hawke’s portfolio, in the interim.
Hawke joined MSC after a long stint with Carnival UK where he was sales and customer services director.