Speakers at Seatrade Europe Conference 2019

She debuted her cruise career in 1994 as a port agent and tour operator. Subsequently, she acted as the Marketing and Communications Manager of Global Investment Holdings until 2005 then promoted to Marketing Director of Global Ports Holding until 2014.

Since February 2014 Ayan serves as the VP of Cruise Operations at Galataport Istanbul. From 2014, Ms. Ayan has been acting as the Board Member of Medcruise and on a national level, since October 2018 she has been electe as Vice Board Member of TÜRKLİM (Turkish Port Operators’ Association).

After having reached a bachelor degree in Economic and a Master degree focus on development of relationship marketing, Federico began his career in Maconi Communication as Business Analyst where he worked for three years.

In 2003 Federico began his experience in Costa Crociere, where has have had many roles: Business Analyst in the Business Intelligence and Datawarehouse, Decision Making Support before Analyst and afterwards Manager in Revenue Management department. From 2013 he started working in Itinerary Planning dept, and from May 2017 was appointed as Director.

He is responsible for recommending the optimal fleet deployment and to design the detailed plan, to coordinate all relevant stakeholders in their participation to the process, manage itinerary changes and supervise their implementation in all Company’s systems.

Beck has worked within the travel industry for over 35 years and currently oversees the International marketing and sales activities for the Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition Cruises at Crystal Cruises.

Having grown up in the hospitality industry, she continued into the travel industry working with various companies including tour operators, an incentive house, a hotel group and most recently cruise companies. All of which have grown her knowledge and experience across the industry. During her career, she has also worked across many International markets developing a strong commercial understanding of each country.

Beck is proficient in Spanish, French and German with conversational Italian.

Director
V. Ships Leisure

Per Bjornsen joined V.Ships Leisure in 1997 and is responsible for V.Group’s operation and services to the maritime leisure sector. He has previously worked as a shipbroker with emphasis on the passenger ship market in Norway, Sweden and France.

He was educated at the Norwegian Naval Academy, Oslo Business School, the Scandinavian Institute of Maritime Law at the University of Oslo and INSEAD.

V.Group is today the world’s leading maritime support services group and V.Ships manages a fleet of more than 1,000 vessels. It is also a leading partner for management and support services to the cruise, ferry & yacht industries and is today providing services to more than 100 passenger vessels.

Mary is also publisher and editor-in-chief of Seatrade Cruise News, the leading daily online news service for the global cruise industry and Seatrade Cruise Review quarterly, the official magazine at Seatrade cruise events worldwide.

Mary has worked in the shipping industry for 39 years, first for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping before joining Seatrade’s editorial team in 1985.

Mary is on the steering committee of CruiseBritian and has edited MedCruise News and MedCruise Yearbook for more than 15 years.

Remco Buis joined Carnival Maritime in 2017 as VP Land Operations. In 2018 he assumed the role of SVP Port Operations & Development, creating a holistic approach to address port needs.

Born in the Netherlands, Remco Buis is a Maritime Officer with a long track-record in Marine Operations. He began his career onboard Holland America Line. In 2004 he joined Carnival Corporation & Plc as Senior Manager West Coast Port Development and later Carnival Cruise Lines as Director of Commercial Homeport Operations.

Head of Tourism
TRIAD Berlin GmbH

In addition to the above, he brings with him 14 years of experience from the travel industry from companies such as KILROY travels, Thomas Cook and Hertz Denmark, where he was CEO.

Claus holds an MsC in Economics and Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School, an MBA from Henley Business School, and latest a Master in Experience Management from Roskilde University.

Senior Manager Destination Experiences, Silversea Cruises

Beatrice Capilli, born in Italy, is Senior Manager Destination Experiences at Silversea Cruises. She has worked on board for 10 years (2002-2012). She began Tour Escort on board Costa Crociere at 18, and at the age of 22 she became Tour Manager. Beatrice had the opportunity to travel all over the world, with so many nationalities on board having the honor to do the start-up operations of Asian Market for Costa with Chinese and Hong Kong guests.

Since then she has decided to go home to Genoa for a “regular life” and Costa HQ offices called her for a position in the Destination Management team. Till October 2016 Beatrice was Destination Management Coordinator, responsible for product and operations in Far East, French Caribbean and Northern Europe. In October 2016 she moved country and joined Silversea and now is Senior Manager Destination Experiences, overseeing the product development for charters, private requests and shore concierge, including mid-cruise overland programs.

UK Managing Editor
Cruise Critic

In 2002, Danai introduced ArtLink as a group of expert art curators, supported by experienced art project managers, expert art purchasers and logistics professionals to the hospitality industry. ArtLink curated and provided art collections for over 120 hospitality projects in 32 countries, including the Jing An Shangri-La in Shanghai, the Four Seasons DIFC in Dubai, the Plaza Hotel in New York City, the Waldorf Astoria in Chengdu, the St. Regis hotels in Cairo, Amman and Belgrade, The Rosewood hotels in Hoi An and Ningbo and the Mandarin Oriental hotels in London and Riyadh.

In 2014, ArtLink completed the art collection for the Holland America Line Koningsdam Ship followed by the Nieuw Statendam. The company also curated and provided the art for the Seabourn ultra-luxury Encore and Ovation ships and is currently working with Costa Cruises and P&O Cruises and on the new Ryndam for Holland America Line.

Prior to ArtLink, Danai served as the Director of International Marketing for Cybra Corporation and in 1989 assumed the position of Director of International Operations for the Commodity Spot Shipping Division of the Brazilian conglomerate SATRO. In 1993, Danai founded EcoLink, which restructured failing small businesses into highly profitable enterprises and traded in foodstuff for the former Soviet Union countries.

Danai holds academic degrees in fine art, business and law, alongside the rank of Sensei in Kyokushin Karate and Wood Badge in the International Scouts Movement.

B&A is currently active in the USA, Caribbean, Canada, Central & South America, Northern Europe, Baltic, Mediterranean, Atlantic Islands, Indian Ocean, Asia and Africa.

Luis started his career in 1986 with Premier Cruise Lines and RCCL in Miami. He then spent 12 years with Crystal Cruises, mainly as Global Port Coordinator overseeing shore side operations worldwide and inspecting new ports and destinations.

Other positions include National Director Cruise - TUI Spain; Director Cruise Operations Europe - Tumlare; Director Cruise Operations Scandinavia – Kuoni; and CEO - Consult DC.

President & CEO
De Jorio Design

Since September 2018, Elisabetta De Nardo works for MSC Cruises as Vice President, Port Development.

In this role, Elisabetta supports the Head of Global Port Development and Shore Side Activitieswith the establishment and development of strategic partnerships with the global cruise port community.

Elisabetta joined the cruise industry in 2007, having worked in the cargo shipping business, where she reached Director, Operations. Ever since, she has worked for Costa Crociere and then for Silversea Cruises, where she was appointed Vice President, Port & Destinations Operations.

In January 2017 Elisabetta was appointed Chairman of CLIA Europe’s Port & Destination Subcommittee. In this position, she supports CLIA’s work in terms of ports and destinations.

Elisabetta has a degree in Shipping & Maritime Economics and a Master in Cargo Marine Surveying (London).

National Manager France & Monaco
Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services

Amaury leads the Intercruises teams in France & Monaco, driving the business while ensuring that quality and service standards are continually met.

His career in the industry began working for Thomson Cruises and TUI in the UK. He joined Intercruises in 2012, developing the business strategy at a national, regional and global level, and assumed his current role and responsibilities in 2015.

Amaury holds an MBA from ESSEC Business School.

President and Commercial Director of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
MedCruise

President of MedCruise and Commercial Director of Tenerife Ports managing 5 cruise ports. He joined the Port Authority after his position as Commercial Executive of Grimaldi Group, Rome Interport Logistic Platform warehouse in Civitavecchia for cruise lines and other positions in different maritime companies.

He has a MsD in Law and Maritime Business by the Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya and a BSc, International Trade and Marketing by the University of Wales, Seatrade Cruise Masterclass performed in Cambridge University.

His wide range of responsibilities in the Port Authority are related to different business areas. Active member of IAPH and ESPO.

Gina Dunnett’s career in cruise began 20 years ago, supervising port operations and passenger logistics for Princess Cruises in Fort Lauderdale. This expanded to include ground handling for P&O, Seabourn and Cunard in Port Everglades. In 2007 she joined the Land Development team at Silversea Cruises and created and managed shore excursions and land programs that operated before, during and after cruises.

President
AIDA Cruises

Felix Eichhorn (38) studied Business Management at the Economic Academy Hamburg. The native of Rostock has accompanied the unique growth of AIDA Cruises in various management positions of increasing responsibility for more than 18 years.

Felix Eichhorn started his career at AIDA Cruises in 1999 with a dual studies program. In the following years, he held a wide variety of positions on board and ashore before assuming responsibility for sales and yield management of AIDA Cruises and Costa in Germany as Senior Vice President Sales, Yield Management & Flight Operation in 2013.

Head of Tourism
TRIAD Berlin GmbH & TRIAD China Ltd.

As a maritime trade press correspondent and visiting lecturer of the Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Frederik Erdmann concentrates on ferry and cruise ship management, port development as well as safety and security in passenger shipping.

He is also a member of the Flensburg Chamber of Commerce's Tourism Committee.

Following secondary school graduation he joined the port agency network, Sartori & Berger, on a vocational training program.

After subsequent studies of Business Administration, Frederik Erdmann held various positions at Sartori & Berger until 2010.

After a period of working with the Flensburg Chamber of Commerce, he was appointed Designated Person Safety/Security, Environment and Quality of the coastal ferry operator, Wyker Dampfschiffs-Reederei.

CFO
Hamburg Messe & Congress GmbH

From 2013 to 2017, Uwe Fischer was Managing Director of SV Care Catering GmbH and head of strategic projects at the catering and hotel management group SV Group.

Previously, he held senior positions at various companies, including 14 years in finance at Unilever, where he most recently worked as CFO for Unilever Food Solutions Benelux & France.

He started his career at the Italian Classification Society RINA, working as a structural engineer and marine surveyor before being appointed as Manager of Plan Approval Centre in Korea, Manager of Hong Kong and Singapore Office and lately as Asia General Manager.

Before joining MSC Cruises, he served as CEO of RINA Services for over six years. He also served as Council Member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) from 2013 to 2018.

As Vice President, Destinations and Revenue Management for SeaDream Yacht Club, Emilio is responsible for the development of company’s itineraries, land adventures, port operations and revenue plans.

His background includes managerial positions in marketing, sales, operations and finance with luxury, mass market and expeditionary cruise operators in both the US and Europe. He has global destination experience and has travelled to over 250 ports in 80+ countries.

Emilio earned a BA in Accounting from the University of Florida and a Master of International Business degree from Florida International University. He is a former CPA in the State of Florida, was a member of the prestigious Explorers Club in New York City and served on the Executive Committee of IAATO.

Product Development Manager – Ocean Cruising
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Zeljka has been in the cruise industry for over 17 years, and has spent the last 9 with Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. She has developed programs on European rivers for Scenic and Emerald waterways, and as Scenic is now expanding to ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse, the first luxury expedition yacht, she is now responsible for set up of shorex for its worldwide cruise itineraries.

Zeljka’s passion has always been in the development of new itineraries and discovering new destinations and features to provide unique experience to passengers. She is always excited when she can introduce ports or destinations that are off the beaten tracks to surprise and delight travellers with beauty and wonder in unexpected places.

Her specialties include engaging content creation, social media management & digital storytelling.

Liz’s past lives include a stint on beauty counters in South Wales as a senior sales consultant, a decade travelling the world as a solo piano bar entertainer, time spent as a tour guide and eight years as manager of a busy shore excursions department serving multiple ports in Iceland.

Her passion for the cruise industry, in particular shore excursions, has earned her global recognition along with several international awards for creative marketing achievements & innovative product development

She became Head of Sustainable Development for TUI Destination Experiences in 2015, later adding Intercruises to her portfolio following the acquisition of Destination Services in 2018.

Arantxa holds a degree in Business Administration by the University Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), a Master’s Degree in Quality & Environment, has been accredited as Travelife Auditor and has completed the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Sustainable Tourism Training.

Contracting Manager
TUI Cruises

Janina Graf recently took over the newly created position as Contracting Manager for TUI Cruises Destination Management. In her position, Janina overlooks worldwide bidding procedures and negotiates contracts with TUI Cruises partners.

Before joining TUI Cruises Janina worked as a Global Production Coordinator at the Norwegian company Hurtigruten. She successfully purchased to tailored needs land services for individual ports of their main distribution markets.

To pursue her passion and talent for working in tourism she completed her master’s degree in international studies of Leisure and Tourism with outstanding grades.

Her experience as a consultant in Deutsche Bank strengthen her numerical skills and broaden her knowledge in financial solutions.

Janina herself is an avid explorer with a passion for traveling and has a deep knowledge and high cultural awareness about many countries around the world.

Her other responsibilities include coordinating both turn around and transit operations, collaborating with different stakeholders both shoreside and onboard by managing the relationship with port authorities and cruise lines, as well as port cost control. She helps the port to achieve operational excellence by maintaining quality and environmental standards, and identify possible trials and designing ad-hoc contingency plans for operational emergencies instead.

Project Manager
Gara Agents & Shipbrokers

Mark is a Partner and SVP, Ports & Maritime for Bermello Ajamil & Partners, Inc. Before joining B&A in 2000 he worked for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises in Shore Excursion Programs / Destination Development. He is responsible for the oversight of all cruise and maritime projects worldwide and leads the firm’s major cruise destination development projects.

B&A has delivered Port Everglades Terminal 25 for Celebrity Edge; the renovated Seattle Pier 66; Terminal A at PortMiami; Carnival’s Long Beach Terminal; and, India’s New Cruise Strategic Plan. B&A is currently working on Port Canaveral’s CT3; PortMiami Terminal B; MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Park; and the Ports of Galveston, Port Everglades, Miami and Barbados strategic master plans amongst others.

Jean-Pierre Joubert is the Director of Shore Excursions and leads the strategy, marketing, operations, finance and destination delivery for MSC Cruises.

Jean-Pierre has been in the cruise industry since 2003 with Norwegian Cruise Lines as a Revenue and Marketing Director and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as Director of Global Tour Operations before joining MSC Cruises in early 2017.

Director Cruise
Visit Svalbard & Visit Oslo

After nearly four years on Svalbard she will now return to Visit Oslo and Port of Oslo where she will continue the cruise work focusing on sustainable development and growth for both Oslo and Svalbard.

Itinerary Planer
SeaDream YachtClub

Rob has always had a passion for Itinerary Planning, believing it to be the most important element of the cruise industry. He has had the privilege of working both shipboard and shoreside allowing for a better operational understanding and is always on the search for new destinations.

VP Communication & Sustainability
AIDA Cruises

As Vice President Communication & Sustainability Hansjörg Kunze is responsible for the corporate communication as well as the sustainability and reputation management of AIDA Cruises.

Before joining the cruise company, Kunze worked in the media sector with German radio and television for 12 years.

Besides, Hansjörg Kunze was a competitive athlete for many years and crowned his sporting career in 1988 by winning the bronze medal in the 5000-meter track event at the Olympic Games in Seoul.

Hans holds an MBA from Erasmus University Rotterdam. In 2008, Hans combined his passion for adventure travel and his expertise in commercial management when he became Managing Director of Sawadee Reizen in Amsterdam. In 2010, Hans moved to Toronto and became president of Quark Expeditions, the leader in polar cruises. In 2015 Hans took over responsibility for all adventure brands within TUI Travel, a business that was sold in 2017. In 2018 Hans became CEO and President of boutique luxury cruise start-up Victory Cruise Lines, a business that was successfully sold in 2019.

Currently Hans is president of the international businesses of Albatros Travel, including Albatros Expeditions, Albatros Arctic Circle, Albatros Africa and Adventure Marathons, while he is also a trustee of the Safer Tourism Foundation.

SVP, Strategic Partnerships
CLIA

Bo has spent much of his career working in travel, including 20 years with the airline industry, followed by several years with Cruise Baltic and the Cruise Copenhagen Network.

In 2014, Bo joined CLIA as Global Director of Port Engagement and Business Development. He then became Vice President for Port Engagement & European Executive Partner Members, before taking on the role of Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships in January 2017.

Bo has extensive knowledge of the port and destination sector and is globally responsible for developing CLIA’s strategic program of benefits and events for the Executive Partner community. He also manages CLIA’s Global Port & Destination Committee.

In August 2015, Guido Laukamp became Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer of Nicko Cruises Schiffsreisen GmbH.

Thanks to his eleven years of experience working for Viking River Cruises, first as a corporate planner and then as the Director for Europe, he is intimately familiar with the market and the particularities of river cruises. Before this, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and worked in the mineral oil industry. His responsibilities at Nicko Cruises include marketing, sales, and tourism.

After joining Fred. Olsen in 1999 at the age of 19, Martin weaved the winding career path via container exports and Quality Assurance before a job in itinerary planning. He has progressed through the ranks to the position of Head of Itinerary Planning & Destination Experience, overseeing the creation and delivery of the whole destination experience (e.g. itinerary, tour and independent experiences). During his 13 years of planning and developing the cruises, the company has won a number of awards, including “Best Itineraries” from Cruise Critic for four consecutive years (2015-2018) and Best Shore Excursions in 2018. Away from work, Martin enjoys spending time with his family, cycling, camping and walking his Jack Russell.

Senior Director, Deployment & Itinerary Planning
Seabourn Cruise Line

Partner
Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein

Esther Mallach is a partner of Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, a leading commercial law firm specialising in maritime, logistics, and aviation law with offices in Hamburg, Leer, Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich. She holds a dual qualification as German lawyer and English Solicitor. Her practice includes maritime commercial law, IMO/MARPOL regulatory compliance in relation to the cruise industry, data privacy law and employment law.

She was a speaker at the Hamburg Kreuzfahrt (Cruises) Kongress on data privacy under the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the International Cruise Summit (ICS),Madrid, on the cruise industry’s compliance with environmental regulations. She is a regular speaker at Spring Meetings of the Maritime Law Association of the United States’ (MLAUS) Passenger and Cruise Vessel Committee.

Now at AD Associates, an award-winning, multidisciplinary design agency based in the heart of London, David overseas all marine projects as well as Sales & Marketing activity. Throughout its lifespan, his extensive managerial experience across complex projects and service delivery, looks to add value, nurture relationships and build trust and credibility with clients and partners world-wide.

President of US Operations
RebelRoam

Richard McKinney joined RebelRoam in May 2018 to bring their industry-leading onboard passenger/crew Wi-Fi optimization technology to the North American market.

Richard has 20 years of experience in satellite Internet and WAN optimization. Prior to his satellite career, he cruised the Caribbean aboard his sailboat Golden Hu.

As a technology professional and as a globe trotter, Richard understands the unique challenges cruise operators face due to inherent limitations of cellular and satellite technology for the delivery of Wi-Fi to the river and ocean-going vessels.

His experience from both the provider perspective and passenger viewpoint give him a deep appreciation for the positive impact RebelRoam Wi-Fi enhancement technology makes for over 3 million connected passengers monthly.

The qualified travel agent started her career at Fischer Reisen, where she held various positions with managerial responsibility for marketing and sales.

After Fischer Reisen was sold to Condor Flugdienst GmbH, she was at the helm of the integration process of the tour operator into C&N Touristic AG.

In 2000, Wybcke Meier became head of sales at “Via 1 – Schöner Reisen” online travel shopping channel in Hamburg. From 2002 to 2010, she headed sales and marketing as an authorized signatory and member of the management board at tour operator Öger Tours.

Most recently, Wybcke Meier was managing director at Windrose Finest Travel and OFT.

Metsola has served RCL with similar responsibilities since 2007, first as an outside consultant to the company. He started in his current position at the beginning of 2016.

Ukko is a Finnish citizen who started his political career as Senior Adviser in the Finnish Parliament and then in the Prime Ministers Office (Helsinki).

He is a graduate from the University of Helsinki and from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he studied with a Fulbright scholarship. He is based in Brussels, Belgium, with his wife and four sons.

MD
AETHOS Consulting Group

Thomas Mielke is a Founding Partner and Managing Director at AETHOS Consulting Group. He is an AESC certified executive search consultant and has an extensive track record in senior level appointments at leading hospitality organizations across the globe.

A trusted advisor to the C-Suite and clients in the tourism, cruise, lodging, restaurant and food service sectors, Thomas supports companies in identifying and developing values and best practices that foster a strong corporate culture as well as in formulating succession and talent management programs.

Thomas holds a BSc in International Hospitality Management from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, has authored numerous articles on corporate governance and leadership, and is fluent in several European languages.

In 2015 Carmen was promoted to Global Shore Excursions Manager, in charge of global product development and operation delivery, with a focus on innovation and adoption of new technology.

Carmen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management & Marketing in Tourism from the University George Baritiu in her native Romania.

He joined Carnival Corporation & Plc in 2012. Based in UK, his responsibilities include strategic corporate port & destination development in the EuroMed/Arabian Gulf areas.

He is the Managing Director of Barcelona Cruise Terminal SLU and Santa Cruz Terminal SLU, and a member of Carnival UK DC pension scheme governance committee.

Prior to joining Carnival Corporation & Plc, he spent fifteen years working in London for EY, Corus Group Plc, Schroder Salomon Smith Barney and PricewaterhouseCoopers where he specialized in M&A and fund raising.

He earned degrees in Economics and Spanish as well as a Master of Arts in banking & finance. He is fluent in French, Spanish and English.

Mr Nestour also qualified as a UK Chartered Accountant in 2000.

With over 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Mr Onorato has a finely developed understanding of the cruise business and extensive experience in senior executive leadership, having served as President of Costa Cruises from 2004 to 2013.

Born in Italy, Mr Onorato graduated from Naples’ Istituto Orientale with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature in 1983, and then specialized at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.

Mr Onorato began his career in 1986 at Costa Cruises as Food and Beverage Manager before becoming Cruise Product Director. From 1997 he served as Vice President & Cruise Operations Director and was responsible for logistics and provisioning, as well as all activities relating to calls, excursions and hotel operations.

Frédérique Patry has over 25 years of experience in the Cruise industry.

She started her career as a Tour Operator in the North of France and moved to Monaco 20 years ago to expand her skills in Port Agency.

After a career development in Ship Management with V.Ships, where she was Manager Port Operations and Planning, she joined Silversea in June 2015 as Manager Itinerary Planning.

She is now in charge of the itinerary planning for Silversea’s Classic fleet worldwide, the feasibility of the itineraries (Classic & Expedition) from an operational and nautical point of view, as well as for the berth bookings and congestion issues management.

After all these years working in the Cruise Industry, she still enjoys the challenges of placing together the best destination mix and the best experience for Silversea’s exclusive Guests.

Kathleen Pessolano is Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (“GSTC”)—the UN-founded standard-setting body for sustainable tourism development. In this role, Kathleen helps governments and businesses apply GSTC standards to achieve positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes from tourism.

Additionally, Kathleen advises government, corporate, and NGO clients on policy, planning, and partnerships to strengthen positive and minimize negative impacts from tourism on communities, cultures, and the environment.

Kathleen served as an attorney for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and O’Melveny & Myers LLP, on antitrust and consumer protection matters. She holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and a B.A. from Holy Cross College. She hails from Western Massachusetts, but now lives in Washington, D.C.

Justin is a USCG licensed navigation officer, with a B.Sc degree in Marine Transporation from California Maritime Academy, and an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration from Politecnico di Milano Graduate School of Business.

Originally from Seattle, Justin currently lives in the South of France with his wife and son and counts travelling, sailing, spending time with family and pivot tables as his favorite activities.

Miguel Reyna plans and develops marine infrastructure, cruise terminals and special projects for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL).Over the past 14 years, Miguel has worked in all facets of port development, including design, budgeting, construction, finance and startup operations. Miguel was the Project Executive for the “Crown of Miami”, RCL’s iconic terminal at PortMiami. Currently, Miguel oversees negotiations, budgeting, phasi ng strategies and implementation of a $1 billion pipeline of worldwide port investments.

Miguel joined RCL in 2001. He holds a B.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad of Lima, Peru, a Master’s Degree in Policy Analysis from the Harri man School at the State University of New York, and an MBA in Finance from the Stern School at New York University.

Senior Manager CRS
Rescompany Systems Ltd

Bernd studied Information Science at the University of Rostock and has over 15 years’ experience in the cruise industry.

He has worked at various roles including the construction industry and contributed to the success of both small and global companies. Starting in IT support, he quickly showed an interest in web technologies and took the opportunity to increase his knowledge while building an online presentation for a multinati onal corporation.

Bernd’s career in cruise industry began with a major European cruise line developing a reservation system with direct marketing.

In 2014, Bernd joined Resco as Senior CRS Manager and has helped to customise and develop CRM, BI and Web bookings to clients’ requirements.

CCO
Global Ports Holding

Mark Robinson was appointed Chief Commercial Officer of Global Ports Holding in March 2018. Prior to joining the company he held a similar role at PortAventura World Parks & Resorts and from 2003 to 2016 he established Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services within the TUI Travel & Hotelbeds Group. Over 13 years he created a successful global enterprise, growing from a one-port operation into the world's number one global port services provider.

Prior to Intercruises he was SVP, On-board Revenue, Land Programmes for Festival Cruises in Athens, Greece. Mr. Robinson holds a degree in International Travel & Tourism from the University of Manchester, UK and he took a senior advanced leadership and management course at INSEAD Paris Fontainebleau.

CEO
Helsinki Shipyard Oy

Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch is a visionary, results-oriented professional who offers a solid background of international experience in the ship newbuilding and ship repair business, highlighted by significant accomplishments. Thirty years of strong experience in engineering, sourcing, project management and company management. Is used to managing and leading organizations of 700 and over since about 1990.

Previous positions of Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch include Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Grand Bahama Shipyard, Freeport, Bahamas, VP Sales, Cruise Ships, at Aker Yards BA Cruise and Ferries, Manager, Life Cycle Services, Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc, (later Aker Yards Inc), and Project Manager Carnival/Costa at Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc, Helsinki, Finland.

MD
Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH (CGH)

Sacha Rougier is Managing Director of Cruise Gate Hamburg GmbH (CGH). CGH oversees terminal operation, berthing allocation, international cruise development and EU Lobbying as well as terminal planning.

Previously, Sacha worked for the Port of Marseille, where she held positions in marketing and cruise development. Sacha holds a Master in Change Management and a Bachelor degree in European Studies (economics, German and Spanish).

Sacha plays an active role in Hamburg ́s cruise development as member of the Board of trustees of the “Hamburg Cruise Net”. She held positions in Board at Cruise Europe, Elbphilharmonie and leads the Chair of the Cruise Committee IAPH. She co-lecturers on Port Economics & Business Programme at the University for Maritime & Air Transport Antwerp.

President/ Co-Owner
AmaWaterways

Born in Vienna, Rudi Schreiner studied Architecture and Anthropology before receiving his MBA and opening his first travel company in 1982 in Los Angeles.

In 1992, he started river cruise operations at Uniworld and in 2000, opened Viking USA as President/CEO.

In 2002, Schreiner partnered with Kristin Karst to form AmaWaterways, now an award-winning cruise line with 23 ships on three continents.

Schreiner has been recognized by travel agents nationwide as the “Most Innovative River Cruise Executive”, was inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame and the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame.

Informally dubbed the "Godfather of River Cruising", Schreiner enjoys his role overseeing AmaWaterways' global operations and remains passionate about innovative ship design and creative itinerary planning.

With over 18 years of experience in the cruise industry, Adam Sharp is Head of Business Development, Destination Development for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and is responsible for Strategic Destination Projects.

Adam’s in-depth knowledge of ports and infrastructure worldwide is garnered from ten years’ of experience in Port Operations. Prior to this, he was Strategic Projects Manager, Port Operations, introducing world first technology to increase performance and understanding of RCL global operations. Adam has also completed a year as Head of Sales for the UK & Ireland.

Passionate about promoting the benefits of the cruise industry to destinations, Adam Chaired CLIA Europe’s Port & Destination Committee, from 2013 to 2016; representing the business to a host of EU, International and national agencies.

SVP RCL International
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

Gavin Smith is Senior Vice President International for Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited.

Joining the Corporation in 2008, Smith was appointed to his current role in 2016.Smith leads a global team overseeing commercial and operational activities outside of North America and China for the company’s three main cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

Smith has 30 years’ experience in the cruise,travel and tourism industry around the world.

Area Vice President, Global Cruise Sales
Oracle Corporation

In his 20 years in the Cruise industry he held various positions at Oracle Hospitality Cruise, formerly known as Fidelio Cruise Software.

With a strong background in Operations and IT, he is now leading the global Sales department at Oracle Hospitality Cruise as Area Vice President. Oracle is providing Point of Sale, Property and Fleet Management Software to the Cruise Industry.

Head of Global Port Development & Shore Activities
MSC Cruises

Gianluca Suprani is MSC Cruises´SVP for Port Development & Shore Activities, as well as member of the CLIA Global Port & Destinations Committee. He leads MSC’s strategic engagement, establishing shore excursions and port development initiatives, while heading over 200 employees.

His career began at Costa Cruises in 1994. After leaving Costa Cruises, he remained in Cuba as MD of Silares Terminales Caribe. He moved to Pullmantur where he was involved in South American itinerary projects.

At MSC Cruises, he is spear-heading the development of the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. He has also led major customer research initiatives and continues to establish efficient ground operations. He aims to continue growing MSC’s leadership for all shore operations.

From 1993, he was a key player in developing the cruise market in Germany, positioning AIDA Cruises as the market leader. He was President of AIDA Cruises from 2004 to 2012, during which time he initiated a new building program that saw the fleet growing by one vessel each year between 2007 and 2013.

In 2012, Michael Thamm was appointed Group CEO to lead the global business of Costa Group that includes Costa Crociere, AIDA Cruises and Carnival Maritime. Besides this role, in January 2017 he was named Group CEO Costa Group and Carnival Asia extending his responsibility over this region.

Since January 2019 Michael Thamm is Chairman of CLIA Europe.

Sr Director, Itineraries, Destinations and Government Relations
Virgin Voyages

Juan C Trescastro joined Virgin Voyages in 2019. As Senior Director, Itineraries, Destinations and Government Relations, Juan is curating an Epic Sea Change by working with fantastic destinations, and is responsible for developing itineraries, shore excursions and managing relationships with governments.

Previously, Juan served as President for Metro Cruise Services, where he oversaw aspects that serviced the cruise industry with shore services such as stevedores, ground agency, shore excursions, security, and Events.

Juan is a member of the CLIA Port and Destination committee and the Government Relations committee.

SVP Worldwide Cruise Business & Operations
Abercrombie & Kent Destination Management

A 30-year industry veteran, Vass has been with The Abercrombie and Kent Group of Companies, A&K and Akorn, for 17 years and is SVP, Worldwide Cruise business & Operations.

Previous positions include VP, Destination & Enrichment Programs with 'The World' (residenSea) the largest privately owned residential ship, and VP and Director positions with Seadream Yacht Club, Seabourn, Cunard, Sea Goddess and Holland America Line. Vass began his career aboard passenger ships as a Cruise Director, Port Lecturer and Shore Excursion Manager.

He offers candid opinions and address' provocative topics with contagious enthusiasm and has represented A&K in receiving 'The Best Innovative Shorex' award for 2013 (India) and 2017 (Australia).

Personal accomplishments: awarded his Sommelier Certification and authored Verbal Voyeur.

Elena Vlad is the Director of Shorex Excursions, Product Development and Operations for Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn, all of which are all part of Holland America Group.

Head of Operations - Sky Fleet
Noble Caledonia

Having entered the field of travel and tourism as an adventure tour leader trekking in Peru, Saskia then worked for Swan Hellenic combining love of exploration as well as a family background in the merchant navy. She gained in-depth experience and rose to Head of Planning, specialising in small ship discovery cruising.

For the past five years Saskia has worked at Noble Caledonia with responsibility for the daily cruise operations, product delivery and passenger experience on board and ashore for Noble Caledonia’s flag ships Island Sky, Hebridean Sky and Caledonian Sky.

Noble Caledonia specialises in small ship cruising and the Sky fleet offers an impressive portfolio of quality, worldwide, off- the-beaten track discovery and expedition style cruises.

Sandra Weir is Vice President of Destination Development and Government Relations, responsible for the strategic initiatives of destination development for Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas. Weir also manages the corporation’s relationships with local government authorities as well as the communities where the ships call.

Weir joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2005, and held the position of Director, Business Development in Hawaii. Gradually Weir assumed the role of President of Norwegian’s shore-side operations while still overseeing port and government relations. Weir was transferred into her current role in 2018.

She began her career in the Oil and Gas industry in Calgary, Canada. Weir has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree in Finance and is a CPA.

Management professional with international work experience in a variety of challenging environments in the luxury hospitality business.

A track record of more than 20 years working in a range of positions for very successful businesses from corporate hotels, fine dining and private members clubs to leisure hotels and luxury cruise ships. MBA-qualified and trained at top class institutes in Switzerland and the UK.