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Isis Ruiz joins American Queen Voyages as CCO, Kari Tarnowski exits

Isis Ruiz, formerly CMO at Norwegian Cruise Line, joined American Queen Voyages as chief commercial officer as Kari Tarnowski, SVP marketing and sales, exited.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

April 18, 2022

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Ruiz will report to Shawn Bierdz, chief operating officer, American Queen Voyages, who welcomed her and thanked Tarnowski for the contributions she made to the company and wished her continued success.

'We are thrilled to welcome Isis to the American Queen Voyages management team,' ' Bierdz said, adding: 'With her considerable talent and leadership skills, we are confident Isis will greatly contribute to the future growth of American Queen Voyages.'

Bierdz pointed to Ruiz's 'extensive background in global brand marketing that will only further raise the bar on our company operations.'

CCO duties

As CCO, she will be responsible for developing and implementing American Queen Voyages' overall sales and marketing strategy including brand positioning, advertising, public relations, customer insights, guest feedback, loyalty and retention, competitive analysis and partnership marketing.

Ruiz also will be responsible for overseeing the entire sales function of the organization, including the company’s contact center and guest experience. She will work with Bierdz and Kristina Heney, chief marketing and revenue officer, Hornblower Group, to 'build a first-class sales and marketing organization that emphasizes consumer experience through technology and performance marketing methods.'

'I look forward to being a part of such a talented team during a pivotal time for the cruising industry,' Ruiz said. 'I am energized to bring my industry expertise and collaborate with a team who are driven by their core company values and commitment towards delivering an extraordinary rivers, lakes & oceans and expedition experience for its guests.'

Background at NCLH and Carnival Cruise Line

Ruiz was with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for more than a decade before leaving in October 2021. Besides serving as SVP and CMO there, she had a stint as SVP international marketing and public relations and earlier held several other marketing roles. Previously, she spent six years at Carnival Cruise Line building trade marketing capabilities and launching programs to drive growth through third party distribution (B2B2C) channels.

Early in her career, Ruiz worked in M&A in major corporate law firms, in New York City before pivoting to travel.

Tarnowski's accomplishments

Tarnowski had joined American Queen Voyages in November 2020, initially as SVP marketing. She oversaw the company's rebranding and renaming, launched a new marketing campaign, participated in a 10th anniversary road show and made a number of hires in sales and marketing. Earlier executive roles were with Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Elite Island Resorts and Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

Read more about:

American Queen Voyages

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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