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It's official: Crystal belongs to Genting HK, Rodriguez becomes ceo

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Edie Rodriguez - promoted from president and chief operating officer to president and ceo
Genting Hong Kong on Friday completed the acquisition of Crystal Cruises from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, with Tan Sri KT Lim taking over as Crystal chairman, Edie Rodriguez becoming ceo and Thomas Mazloum chief operating officer.

The transaction was valued at US$550m.

Lim, executive chairman of the Genting Group and the former chairman of Norwegian Cruise Line, replaces Crystal chairman Nobuyoshi Kuzuya, who will return to NYK in a key executive position.

Rodriguez, previously president and chief operating officer, was promoted to president and ceo. EVP Mazloum moved up to chief operating officer.

'Genting Hong Kong is delighted and honored to add Crystal to our global hospitality and leisure brands,' Lim said. 'We will ensure Crystal’s reputation as “The World’s Best and Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line” by maintaining its integrity and work to continue elevating its status as the highest standard of luxury cruising.'

Lim reiterated the current management team and crew will continue to lead Crystal’s operation while Genting will provide the financial resources and its ship design expertise to deliver a new ultra-luxury ocean vessel by 2018.

'We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support of our former parent company, NYK and the wonderful leadership and guidance of Mr. Kuzuya,' Rodriguez said. 'We look forward to ushering in a new era of luxury cruising with Genting Hong Kong’s support.'

Rodriguez added that with Genting HK's backing and its experience creating renowned leisure, entertainment and hospitality properties, Crystal is set to 'embark upon new opportunities that will expand our offerings for our guests and travel partners, as well as broader opportunities for our wonderful team of Crystal employees on land and at sea.'

Genting HK wholly owns Star Cruises and remains a major shareholder of Norwegian Cruise Line. The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a secondary listing on the Singapore Stock Exchange.