Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Jo Rzymowska to step down as EMEA VP and managing director of Celebrity Cruises

CRUISE_Jo_Rzymowska.jpg
Jo Rzymowska stepping down from Celebrity in June 2023
After a cruise industry career spanning nearly two decades, Jo Rzymowska will be stepping down as VP 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 directorUK & Ireland for Royal Caribbean Group, joining the Celebrity brand in 2015 as the VP 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

Time out

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 in the UK, from Legend of the Seas - the first UK-based Royal Caribbean ship, to the recent debut of Celebrity Beyond in Southampton this past April.

Industry accolades

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 chair from 2011-2013.

18 year career

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.’

She added, ‘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.

Royal accolades

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.’

Liberty commented, ‘Jo will be missed for her experience and knowledge, and also for her passionate stewardship of our company values.  It is with deep gratitude that I thank her for her dedication to the Royal Caribbean Group over the years.’