[IMAGECAPTION]PHOTO: Former Crystal Holdings CEO Edie Rodriguez. (photo courtesy of Crystal Holdings)[IMAGECAPTION]
Edie Rodriguez-the dynamic executive who oversaw the dramatic expansion of Crystal Cruises into a multi-faceted luxury travel company-is now leaving and is to be replaced by a Disney executive.
Rodriguez said she resigned from Crystal to accept a new opportunity in the travel industry.
"I'm very excited about this new opportunity, which I'll be announcing in a few weeks," she said in a phone call to TravelPulse. "I can't say anything about it yet. I'm very excited about my future, and I wish Crystal continued success. It's a great brand."
Crystal's owner, Genting Hong Kong, announced the appointment of Tom Wolber as the president and CEO of Crystal, effective today, September 15.
Wolber held various executive roles at Disney for 28 years, 10 of which were with the cruise line. As senior vice president of operations, he assisted with the design and launch of newbuilds Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
Wolber also has served as president and CEO of Euro Disney in Paris and has held senior executive positions in Disney theme parks and resort operations at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
"Tom's proven leadership skills will be invaluable to Crystal as the line takes delivery of four river ships in 2017 and 2018 as well as the first of the Endeavor Class expedition yachts in 2019," said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises.
"His leadership will be key to the finalization of specifications and design for the new Exclusive Class oceangoing vessels. Tom has our full confidence, and we look forward to working closely with him to ensuring Crystal remains unmatched in the luxury travel segment."
Since acquiring Crystal in 2015, Genting has expanded the Crystal brand by launching two river vessels, with a third imminent, an expedition yacht and a private Boeing 777, Tan Sri Lim said.
"Thanks to Edie Rodriquez's leadership, Crystal has successfully launched three new brands: Crystal Yachts, Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Air," he said. "We thank Edie for her service to the company, appreciate all of her hard work, and wish her the very best in future endeavors."
The press release announcing the change also included a quote from Rodriguez: "It's been an extraordinary experience leading Crystal to global prominence, and I am very proud of my accomplishments," she said.
"I can't thank Chairman Tan Sri Lim enough for the confidence and investment to assure Crystal's future with a bold expansion strategy, which I've firmly put in place. I'm happy to turn over the reins, knowing Crystal is well served by the incredibly talented and hard-working people throughout the organization - on sea, river, air and land. I look forward to announcing my new endeavor shortly."
Rodriguez joined Crystal as president and COO in October 2013; she was promoted to president and CEO following the acquisition of the company by Genting Hong Kong in May 2015.
Prior to Crystal, Rodriguez held senior marketing, sales and business development positions with other notable luxury lines and travel companies.
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