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Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. hired two familiar faces – and two proven performers – to lead its two largest brands.
Michael Bayley, who began his career at Royal Caribbean as an assistant purser on the Nordic Prince, is the new president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest cruise brand.
And Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, whose own start at the company was as an assistant sales manager in her native New England, now holds the same top title at Celebrity Cruises, a leader in the premium cruise market.
“To recognize these two incredibly talented people with these vital leadership positions after years of dedication, effort and innovative thinking is gratifying for everyone here,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of parent Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
“I am impressed with the skills they have demonstrated over the course of their careers, and I am excited to see where they take these powerful brands next.”
Lutoff-Perlo assumes her new role at Celebrity Cruises as the post was vacated with the elevation of Bayley to his. While leading and building the “modern luxury” line, Bayley delivered strong results that were a hit with Celebrity’s sophisticated customer base.
Before that he filled several senior slots at Royal Caribbean International – including executive vice president of operations – where he played an integral role in extending the company’s reach into new markets around the globe.
“The ships, personified in the new Quantum class, are some of the best and most innovative in the world,” Bayley says. “And the crews that service Royal Caribbean International guests have a track record of delighting guests from every culture around the world.
“I look forward to an exciting future as we raise our game to an even higher level of performance.”
Lutoff-Perlo moves to the helm of Celebrity Cruises from her post as executive vice president of operations at Royal Caribbean International, where she played a critical part in the successful launch of Quantum of the Seas, the first in the company’s newest class of ships.
She made her name, after a successful sales career, as a specialist in bringing new ships to market for both Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager and Radiance classes, and Celebrity’s Solstice class.
“Celebrity Cruises has done a remarkable job differentiating itself in a crowded and competitive premium marketplace, and with its newly announced Edge class ships, the brand has the opportunity to push its leadership position even farther,” Lutoff-Perlo says.
“I’m excited to tackle that challenge with a team of men and women I know well, including crews that consistently exceed our guests’ highest expectations.”
Fain says the elevation of these two “exceptional executives” isn’t a surprise to anyone who has seen them in action:
“As a company, we have a mantra of continuous improvement. In Michael and Lisa, we have two talented leaders who will help us continue to deliver on that commitment to our shareholders, employees and guests.”