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MSC unveils luxury brand’s senior management team

MSC Group has unveiled the five senior managers of its new luxury brand.

The team will be led by chief executive Michael Ungerer, who was appointed to lead the cdivision in September.

Chris Austin, former senior vice president of global sales and marketing at Seabourn, becomes chief sales officer.

Sarah Doyle is appointed chief marketing officer and joins from Bacardi having previously spent six years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and worked for W Hotels.

Thatcher Brown, who was previously president of three-ship line Dream Cruises and managing director of Crystal Cruises, is appointed commercial and strategic advisor.

Sacha Rougier, former managing director of Cruise Gate, has been named head of itinerary planning and shore experience.

And John Stoll, who spent 17 years at Crystal Cruises as vice president of land programmes, becomes destination experience advisor.

Ungerer said: “The leaders of the new brand bring more than 100 years of combined knowledge and expertise in the luxury, hospitality and cruise sectors.

“Together they will create a luxury and lifestyle travel experience as distinct as it is trailblazing, exceeding the expectations of both discerning cruisers seeking something different, those new to cruising and ‘nextgenlux’ travellers curious to start.”

MSC confirmed a €2 billion order last year for four luxury cruise ships to be built by Italian ship builder Fincantieri. The first is expected to be delivered in 2023, with one launch each year until 2026.

Ungerer added: “As momentum builds towards the reveal of our vision, our top team will continue to grow, with further highly talented and experienced appointments in people, product and culinary roles.

“We’re getting ready to share our vision of luxury ocean travel with our trade partners when we will  present our fleet, showcase our luxury vessels’ innovative designs and demonstrate what I believe will be a best-in-class guest experience for existing and future clients.”

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