WHY IT RATES: The two travel industry veterans bring proven success and invaluable experience to their new roles, including navigating the challenges of the pandemic.- Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Editor
U.S.-headquartered Windstar Cruises announced two new appointments to its leadership team today. Betsy O'Rourke joins Windstar's team full-time as its new Chief Commercial Officer and Dianna Rom is promoted to vice president of sales.
O'Rourke has been the Chief Commercial Officer for Xanterra Travel Collection, Windstar's parent company, for 10 years and picked up oversight of the commercial functions of Windstar in 2020. O'Rourke's move from Xanterra to Windstar puts her focus 100-percent on Windstar and growing the brand in the marketplace. The small ship line's marketing, sales and reservations teams report to O'Rourke who is responsible for the line's overall marketing strategy.
Before Xanterra, O'Rourke was senior vice president of marketing at Royal Caribbean International. During her career, she's also led marketing teams at Wyndham Worldwide and the Travel Industry Association.
"We couldn't be happier to have Betsy fully focused on Windstar moving forward," said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. "She stepped up and ushered us through the challenges presented by the pandemic and her expertise has us poised for success in the luxury cruise market."
Dianna Rom's promotion to vice president of sales comes shortly after her promotion to Windstar's senior director of sales. In her new position, Rom oversees the domestic and international sales team for the Windstar brand and is responsible for developing sales strategies and sales goals for the cruise line. All sales roles including groups and charters report to Rom.
Rom has been with Windstar for seven years in various sales roles. Prior to joining Windstar, Rom was the regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges, formerly part of the Xanterra Travel Collection (Windstar's parent company), where she led the sales and marketing team for eight hotels.
"Dianna's sales acumen and knowledge of the travel and cruise landscape is so helpful to all of us at Windstar," said Prelog. "She's approachable and friendly. She has great relationships within the industry, and she's an incredible asset for us as we work together to strengthen the brand and reach new to Windstar cruisers."
O'Rourke will work remotely from Denver, CO and Rom works remotely in Ohio.
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