Chris Austin named president, North America at Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys – MSC Group’s new luxury lifestyle cruise line – has promoted Chris Austin to the role of president, North America at the company.

The former chief sales officer assumes full ownership of the North American teams and market for MSC Group's luxury brand spanning the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

The promotion follows the “exceptional efforts [Austin] has dedicated to building the foundational pillars of the Explora Journeys brand since his arrival in November 2020,” the cruise line said in a statement., adding his “unwavering commitment and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the brand's identity and fostering its growth globally, and within the North American region.”

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Pierfrancesco Vago, chairman of MSC Group's cruise division, called Austin a “highly respected leader in the luxury hospitality industry' who was a member of Explora Journeys' founding team

“The appointment signifies not only his exceptional talent but also the boundless growth opportunities within our organization,” Vago said. “We are thrilled to have him as president, North America, confident in his ability to deepen our partner penetration, drive increased demand, grow consumer awareness and brand adoption and continue to build the North America organization, including in early 2025 the move into new offices in downtown Miami.”

Before Explora Journeys, Austin was senior vice-president of global marketing and sales at Seabourn.

He also worked at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, ultimately as VP global luxury and leisure sales. He began his career at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts in London.

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