Damien O’Connor goes from Silversea to Vikand as EVP of new initiativeDamien O’Connor goes from Silversea to Vikand as EVP of new initiative

He'll start March 1.

'Damien will be leading our team and our work with partners to deliver Vikand’s testing solution, a critical requirement in the resumption of global cruising,' Vikand CEO Peter Hult said.

Answering the need for innovation with expediency

According to O'Connor, 'Vikand answers the need for innovation with expediency. We understand the urgency of the cruise industry to have safe, accurate, noninvasive, easy-to-operate high throughput technology to help return to sailing. In response, Vikand brings a complete testing solution that cruise, port and terminal operators can easily deploy with minimal investment.'

Hult noted O'Connor brings a 'deep understanding of the cruise industry, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of cruising requirements and experience with project management and general management. His direct involvement, spanning some 30 years with leading global cruise lines, benefits the cruise and maritime industries as well as the Vikand team.'

Joins from Silversea

O’Connor most recently served as SVP hotel operations, on-board revenue, newbuild and fleet modernization for Silversea Cruises, based in Monaco. Before Silversea, he held various management positions at Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

O'Connor noted he worked with the Vikand team as part of the Silversea integration during the early stages of the incredibly challenging COVID-19 outbreak in March and April. 'I believe Vikand offers tremendous value to the industry. To be instrumental in this crucial, emerging health-care solution is a natural progression of my work in the cruise line industry,' he said. 

'My motivation to join this winning team is fueled by the strongest personal desire to see the many, many people affected by this pandemic get back to work, be it shipboard or shore side, while the travel community works with governments, local authorities and experts in the health-care field to ensure the most relevant and available solutions are utilized. Together, we all ensure a safe and healthy experience for our returning and prospective guests.'

See also 'Birgit Vadlau now leads Silversea hotel operations'