Thatcher Brown exits Genting with pride in accomplishments

Brown, a US citizen who has been working abroad for 11 years, said he left the presidency of Dream Cruises for family reasons and has returned to the US West Coast.

'I'm very proud to have been the start-up entrepreneur president to launch a bold brand and create a market, with great people,' Brown told Seatrade Cruise News. 'I'm grateful for the opportunity Genting has shared with me to create something so relevant and successful.'

Three ships in three years

Brown ushered in newbuilds Genting Dream and World Dream, and a Star Cruises ship converted into Explorer Dream, all within three years.

'We created a brand, a marketplace in the Greater Bay area of southern China in the Pearl River Delta, and introduced dual homeporting,' he added.

Brown noted Dream Cruises grew in China at a time when the cruise giants from the West reduced their capacity or withdrew from the market.

Taking on the additional role of managing director, Crystal Asia, in 2018, he led a team that energized Genting sister brand Crystal Cruises' sales and distribution throughout the region, and drove double-digit topline growth there in the first 14 months. This included sales and distribution for ocean, yacht and river vessels, as well as the private aviation business with chartered and curated trips.

Praise for successor

'I'm happy to pass the torch to Michael Goh now,' Brown said. Having worked closely with the 20-year Genting veteran, he considers him 'a great successor. He knows the Asia market very well. It's a good fit and I'm certain he'll continue the company's success. He's a terrific person and professional.'

Plans to continue in hospitality

Though Brown is focused on family matters for the coming months, he made it plain he's not retiring.

'I look forward to continuing a successful career in hospitality and tourism, and making a difference,' he said.

Before Genting Hong Kong Brown had served as VP on-board revenue and product development at Costa Cruises. Other jobs included directing sales and marketing for the Jumeirah Essex House in Manhattan and working as VP brand strategy and management for the Jumeirah Group.

After starting at sea with Royal Viking Line, Brown worked in marketing at Crystal Cruises before going on to various marketing and business development roles with Fairmont.

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