Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection executive moves

Mark Lockwood became chief product officer and Jens Gorka SVP shipboard operations, while the company welcomed Clayton van Welter to the marine operations position.

Mark Lockwood

As chief product officer, Lockwood leads the alignment of product development across the organization to ensure a luxury customer-centric approach across all touchpoints of the guest experience. He reports to Jim Murren, CEO and executive chairman.

Lockwood, who signed on with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in 2017, most recently served as chief brand operations officer. Before that, he led cruise hotel operations, ultimately as SVP, and was instrumental in the launch of the company's first yacht, Evrima.

Jens Gorka

As SVP shipboard operations, Gorka will oversee hotel operations, shipboard finance, procurement and logistics. He reports to President and CFO Ernesto Fara.

Gorka led the shipboard operation team in Spain during the final build phase of Evrima. He joined The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection from Silversea Cruises where he most recently served as VP hotel operations after holding various positions in operations and finance.

Clayton van Welter

As VP marine operations, van Welter will supervise marine and technical operations and is tasked with maintaining the highest standards of safety and security, environmental sustainability and vessel efficiency. He also reports to Fara.

Van Welter has more than 17 years' experience shipboard and shoreside at global cruise and marine technology companies. Most recently he was head of product at Wärtsilä Voyage, leading product strategy and driving innovative tactics to improve high-level product engagement. Earlier he led safety and compliance as AVP maritime safety for Royal Caribbean Group.

The changes come as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection prepares to introduce Ilma in 2024 and Luminara in 2025.