The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has enlisted luxury cruise executive Kristian C. Anderson as its Vice President of Global Sales and appointed Karen Shiers to the position of Senior Director of MICE Sales.
The new recruits join The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (RCYC) as the ultra-luxury cruise line prepares for the debut of its first of three superyachts, Evrima, this May.
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Kristian Anderson will be responsible for managing all facets of the company’s sales operations, including the development of strategic partnerships with the travel agent community, and will oversee both the FIT Trade and MICE sales teams as well as the Reservations Contact Centres. With 30+ years in the travel industry, Anderson brings a wealth of experience in leading global sales teams within the luxury hospitality sector.
After several years as Vice President of Sales at Qatar Airways, Anderson served as Senior VP and General Manager of the Americas for Silversea Cruises. Most recently he held the position of Executive VP of Global Sales at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises where he was responsible for the commercial development of multi-segment sales channels across the globe. During his time at Uniworld, Anderson served as the chair of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Trade Relations Committee and was a nominee for Virtuoso’s Cruise Ambassador of the Year.
Anderson will report directly to Douglas Prothero, Chief Executive Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
As Senior Director of MICE Sales, Karen Shiers will report directly to Anderson. Shiers will be responsible for leading the sales strategy and management of all Meetings, Incentives, Charters & Events (MICE) for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. She brings over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry and joins the team from Merlin Entertainments, one of the world’s largest attractions groups, where she held leadership roles in sales, marketing and revenue management for new openings of attractions and resorts.
“I’m delighted to welcome both Kristian and Karen to our Sales team,” said Prothero. “With their impressive sales backgrounds and proven leadership skills, Kristian and Karen will play an integral role in growing our business and nurturing strong relationships with our travel partner and meeting planner community.”
