Scenic Group names Sture Myrmell COO, Riko van Santen CIO

Scenic Group has appointed Sture Myrmell as chief operating officer, following the recent arrival of Riko van Santen as chief information officer, as the company expands its river and ocean cruise fleets.

Based in Scenic Group’s Zug office, Myrmell will lead global operations across the Scenic and Emerald Cruises portfolio of river cruises, ocean cruises and land journeys.

He has held senior positions with Cunard, Seabourn, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia. 

He later served as president of Carnival Australia and Carnival UK, chief operating officer at Journey Beyond and, most recently, president of Aroya Cruises.

His experience spans operations, commercial strategy, guest experience and market development.

"Scenic Group has built an exceptional reputation for innovation, quality and delivering truly memorable travel experiences," said Myrmell. 

"I am delighted to be joining the business at such an exciting time and look forward to working with our global teams to build on this strong foundation. There is a significant opportunity to further strengthen operational excellence while continuing to deliver the elevated guest experiences that define Scenic Group’s brands."

Scenic Group founder and chairman Glen Moroney said the appointments will support the company’s next stage of growth.

"Sture is one of the most experienced and highly respected leaders in the global cruise industry," said Moroney. 

"His depth of operational expertise, commercial acumen and proven ability to lead international teams will be invaluable as Scenic Group continues to expand its luxury yacht and river cruise portfolio.

"His appointment, alongside the recent addition of Riko van Santen as our new Chief Information Officer, significantly strengthens our executive leadership team. Together, these appointments reflect our continued investment in the people, capability and innovation required to support the next stage of Scenic Group’s global growth."

Van Santen joins Scenic Group with more than 25 years of global leadership experience in technology and digital transformation across the international hospitality sector. 

Previously chief information officer at Kempinski Hotels, he will lead the company’s technology strategy, supporting business growth, digital innovation, cybersecurity and data-led decision making.

Fleet expansion through 2028

The appointments come as Scenic Group advances what it describes as one of the significant capacity expansion programs in its 40-year history across Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises & Tours.

Recent additions include the Emerald Kaia yacht and Emerald Astra Star-Ship, which operates on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

In 2027, the company will launch Emerald Lumi on the Seine River, Scenic Aura on India’s Hooghly River and the Emerald Raiya yacht.

The expansion will continue in 2028 with new Scenic ships on the Mekong River, followed by Emerald Xara, the first Emerald Cruises ocean vessel to sail in the Asia-Pacific region, and Scenic Ikon’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean and Antarctica.

Scenic Group designs, builds, owns and operates its ships, supported by its specialist shipbuilding division, MKM Yachts.

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