Celebrity Cruises’ Vice President and Managing Director EMEA Jo Rzymowska, has announced that she is set to depart the cruise sector next summer.
Jo will stay in her role at Celebrity until June 2023 during a period of transition to new leadership,
After a remarkable cruise industry career spanning nearly two decades, Jo Rzymowska will be stepping down from her position as Vice President and Managing Director, EMEA for Celebrity Cruises as of June 2023. Rzymowska, a highly respected leader, began her cruise career in 2005 as Sales and Marketing Director, UK & Ireland for Royal Caribbean Group, joining the Group’s relaxed luxury Celebrity brand in 2015 as the Vice President and Managing Director, UK & Ireland where she set up a dedicated brand team. She was subsequently elevated to oversee all of the EMEA region for the brand in 2019.
Following her departure from the company, Rzymowska, plans to enjoy some time off before continuing her passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion efforts, in particular advocating for both women and the LGBT+ community, and lending her expertise to other causes.
During Rzymowska’s career with the Royal Caribbean Group, she launched numerous ships, from Legend of the Seas – the first-ever UK-based Royal Caribbean ship, to the recent debut of the stunning Celebrity Beyond in Southampton this past April. Most notably, during her tenure Celebrity’s business in the region nearly doubled and she oversaw the brand’s elevation into the luxury space as recognised through numerous industry awards. A staunch advocate for the cruise industry, Rzymowska has served on the CLIA UK & Ireland Board for many years, including as Board Chair from 2011-2013. Among many awards she received throughout her career, she was recognised for her contributions to the travel industry with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2017 Travel Weekly Globe Awards; and, most recently, she was named one of the world’s best LGBT+ executive role models by Yahoo! Finance.
In sharing the news, Rzymowska said, “I have loved every minute of my 18 years with the Royal Caribbean Group. I have had the honour to lead an incredible team whose passion and commitment to the business is unwavering. I know this team will continue to go from strength to strength, as Celebrity Cruises grows in the region. I remain 100% committed to the business as I work through the transition plans with the team. The time is simply now right for me to hand over the mantle.”
“I am particularly grateful to our President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo for her unwavering support of my long and fulfilling career here, along with our Group CEO Jason Liberty and the strong collaboration from the entire Executive leadership team.”
Lisa Lutoff-Perlo commented: “I have had the good fortune to know Jo for many years and it has been incredibly rewarding to work hand-in-hand with her to build the Celebrity brand together in this region. She is irreplaceable in so many ways and I will miss her terribly when the time comes. For now, I look forward to continuing to work with her through this transition period. With the strong team and strategic foundation in place throughout the UK and EMEA, I know that Celebrity Cruises has an incredible future and will continue to reach new heights.”
“Jo will be missed for her experience and knowledge, and also for her passionate stewardship of our company values,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “She holds a special place in the hearts of so many of our international trade partners and colleagues. It is with deep gratitude that I thank her for her dedication to the Royal Caribbean Group over the years.”
